SoulPaws® unleashes the healing power of the human-animal connection, blending animal-assisted interventions with clinician-led support.
SoulPaws® provides free, evidence-based support for children and adults facing mental health challenges. We unleash the healing power of the human-animal connection by blending trauma-aware, clinician-led support with animal-assisted interventions. Through educational initiatives and community-based programming, we explore, demonstrate and research how animals can be key co-regulators of emotion and partners in healing, particularly for those with regulatory disorders (eating disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and more).
Mental health needs are at an all-time high. According to NAMI, at least 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year. Unfortunately, due to stigma and systemic and financial barriers, many of these individuals struggle alone or in silence and do not receive the care they deserve. SoulPaws® breaks barriers by providing innovative mental health support accessible to all, free of cost and diagnostic requirements.
Our Healing Circles — trauma-aware, clinician-led support groups in collaboration with licensed therapy animal organizations — have served 1,000 individuals and counting. Guided by the research of Dr. Bruce Perry and Dr. Patricia Flaherty-Fischette, these innovative groups are designed to help individuals regulate emotions, foster screen-free connections, and heal from a variety of regulatory disorders. Every Healing Circle provides a safe space for individuals to connect with therapy animals (miniature horses, dogs, or small animals), peers, and experienced facilitators.
1
CALM
Obstacle: Difficulties in regulating emotions
SoulPaws® Remedy: Meditation and interactions with therapy animals help calm and regulate the body and mind
2
CONNECT
Obstacle: The experience of feeling “cut off” from authentic connection
SoulPaws® Remedy: Group and 1:1 interactions with therapy animals and peers foster opportunities to make non-judgmental and safe connections
3
HEAL
Obstacle: Barriers to self-reflection block healing
SoulPaws® Remedy: Discussion and reflection that guides individuals toward compassion and healing.
3 Pillars of SoulPaws®
Our Commitment to DEIB
SoulPaws Recovery Project is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) within our organization and community, and we strive to create an environment rooted in these principles. Growth, innovation and creativity are derived from diverse perspectives and collective empathy. Regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, race, ability, socio-economic status, nationality, appearance, and ethnicity; we move forward as an organization where every person can thrive and every voice is heard and valued. We reference the intersectional wheel of privilege as a resource and educational opportunity, and our commitment to DEIB is active and ongoing.
Diversity: We welcome and celebrate diversity, and acknowledge that diversity brings with it creativity, innovation, and greater success in our mission. Privilege and fragility can be barriers to diversity, so we commit to creating spaces that foster curiosity, openness, and safety for all. We welcome individuals of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Equity: We are dedicated to breaking down systemic barriers that perpetuate biases within our society by creating accessible mental health support for all. We acknowledge that equity is not equivalent to equality, which is key to promoting fairness within intersectional, marginalized groups.
Inclusion: With thoughtfulness, we create and foster spaces where everyone feels psychologically safe, respected, valued, and supported. We lead with curiosity and avoid making assumptions, and commit to taking accountability when we fall short. We dive into collaboration, understanding, and partnership to break down stigma and discrimination within our spaces to ensure individuals of all backgrounds and identities have a seat at the table.
Belonging: Belonging is the highest priority for our team and for every life we touch at SoulPaws. We strive to create a sense of belonging for all, where individuals of all backgrounds and experiences feel empowered to be their authentic selves. As we strive to continually keep belonging at the heart of our DEIB efforts, we acknowledge that when intent versus impact are not always aligned, we will provide proper feedback loops to keep our spaces accountable.
Meet our community partners!
