Carolyn’s Assisted Play Therapy Dogs Obi and Cassie

Obi and Cassie are Carolyn’s two friendly Cockapoos, and they play a gentle but powerful role in the therapy room as Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ (AAPT) dogs.

Their calm, friendly temperaments allow them to work therapeutically with children and families, offering comfort, connection, and emotional safety.

Obi and Cassie help children feel more at ease, creating a warm and accepting environment where play and healing can unfold naturally.

Their presence can be especially supportive for children who’ve experienced trauma, loss, or disrupted attachment, providing a sense of calm and co-regulation in moments of distress.

How Obi & Cassie get involved

In sessions, Obi and Cassie might join in with a game, be part of a story, respond to simple cues, or just lie nearby while a child talks or plays.

Everything is done in a playful, respectful way and both the dogs and the children are always given choice and agency. This is a core value of AAPT and helps children learn about consent, empathy, boundaries, and safe relationships.

Obi and Cassie are fully insured and always work under close supervision. Their welfare is a top priority, and they have plenty of rest, space, and freedom to opt out whenever they choose.

Whether they are bringing a moment of joy, offering quiet companionship, or helping a child feel safe enough to explore difficult emotions, Obi and Cassie bring something truly special to the therapy space.

If you’d like to know more about how Obi and Cassie are involved in sessions, or how we decide when to include them, please feel free to get in touch.