In the demanding field of canine therapy, the wellbeing of the therapist is crucial for successful practice and essential for the overall welfare of the therapist, the canine patient / client and their owner.

The prioritisation of the therapist’s wellbeing is not only fundamental to the individual themselves, but has a huge impact on the therapeutic service they are able to provide. Therapists who can establish and maintain an appropriate work life balance ensure enormous benefits to the their professional and personal life as a whole.

Wellbeing is a huge topic encompassing safe living, happiness, and good mental and physical health, and should not be compromised by work demands.

Here’s the science – a good balance enables the therapist to consistently feel a sense of fulfilment and contentment which releases dopamine, serotonin and endorphins into their body leading to feeling happy, reducing anxieties and the perception of physical pain.

On the other hand, work related stress can negatively affect a therapist’s physical and mental health. It leads to reduced productivity and negatively impacts the success of the therapists business viability. Additionally, we know that individuals may experience a diminished quality of life, strained relationships and low self-esteem. As an employee / employer situation, this has been evidenced to lead to absenteeism and high staff turnover.

Identifying stressors in the canine workplace is critical to effectively managing them. Workplace stress is often complex, yet therapists are expected to deal with multiple issues on a daily basis. These may include high workloads, interpersonal conflicts, poor resources, lack of support, financial demands, changing workplace practice etc.

“Even seemingly minor issues such as technical glitches, running late, or managing a complex case all accumulate over time and can have a negative impact on the therapist’s wellbeing.”

It’s therefore essential to implement effective stress management strategies. Fostering a supportive and positive work culture is fundamental in optimising the physical, mental, and emotional health of the therapist, plus improve the success of the  business!

There should be clear communication within the business, conflicts should be addressed promptly and confidentially and opportunities provided for appropriate training, professional CPD and personal development.

When therapists feel valued and supported they are more likely to experience a sense of confidence and satisfaction in their work.

Whether the therapist is a lone worker or part of a team, achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial. Flexible diary management, adequate rest periods and a realistic workload is vital. Encouraging oneself or employees to take breaks, practice self-care and engage in activities outside of the workplace prevents burnout and supports a healthier work-life integration.

“Research shows that wellbeing is improved by simply eating healthier, taking regular exercise, and ensuring sufficient rest to recuperate.”

Therapists often deal not only with physical, but with complex emotional challenges at work and would benefit from the ability to access counselling and mental health resources. Mentoring and support within trusted communities is also valuable and offered by Professional Associations and approved training providers.

Professionalism includes self-care. Each therapist owes the same duties to themselves as they do to others, and this includes the responsibility to promote their health and safety, preserve integrity and maintain their competencies and personal growth.

The wellbeing of all therapists is key for the delivery of high-quality care and the long term sustainability of a successful and thriving business. The facts are that acknowledging daily challenges and taking proactive steps to support wellbeing, fosters job satisfaction and professional growth.

“Ultimately, prioritising the health and happiness of therapists benefits both the individual providing the healthcare and the patients and owners they provide a service to.”

The K9 Therapy Hub – the ultimate resource for canine therapy professionals!

At K9HS we understand the challenges you face as a canine therapist and the demands of working as a lone practitioner. That’s one of the reasons we created an online membership service to help therapist’s in practice to access a range of high quality resources and CPD study. This ensures every therapist working with dogs has a community of like minded individuals who want to progress and advance their clinical skills and offer the best service to the dogs and owners in their professional care.

The Hub offers you a wide range of approved and certificated bitesize CPD courses. You get to choose the topic to explore and shape your clinical techniques. Whether you wish to advance your knowledge linked to clinical skills or progress your “Toolbox of Treatment Techniques”, we have it covered!

We know how tricky it can be to find the time to generate business policies, procedures and forms. Our Template Toolbox is a unique resource specifically created for therapists. We are building a comprehensive Articles + Journals section and a visual Video Toolbox, to support your advancement in all areas.

This year we have launched live Tutorials and Hub Centre Hours delivered by Barbara Houlding, with replays in case you miss the live events.

“Our goal is to empower you and provide the clinical tools, resources and ongoing support for your professional advancement.”

What sets the Hub apart is our vibrant and supportive community to share experiences and gain valuable insights from others in the field. Together, we can inspire and advance your canine career journey.

Join the K9 Therapy Hub today and unlock a world of opportunities to progress your clinical skills, transform your practice and make a positive impact on the lives of the dogs you work with.