How Dixie is Helping Teens and Adults Heal in Lambeth by Ray Bezzina, Social Work Professional Corporation
If you take a walk around Lambeth, chances are you’ll see plenty of wag- ging tails. Dogs are such a big part of connecting our community. But be- yond being beloved companions, dogs also have an incredible gift: they can play an active role in therapy. As both a Lambeth resident and a registered social worker with an office here in our community, I specialize in canine-assisted therapy for teens and adults. For many individuals, especially those who feel hesitant or resistant to traditional talk-therapy, the presence of a dog can create an instant sense of comfort. Research consistently shows that interactions with dogs have measurable benefits on both emotional and physical well-being. Studies have found that spending even a short amount of time with a calm, friendly dog can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin – a hormone linked to bonding and trust. The combination helps clients feel more at ease, opening the door to deeper conversations and emotional processing. Dogs also have a unique ability to sense human emotions; they often respond intuitively to our tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language, offering comfort when it’s needed most.
pressure to sit across from a therapist and talk. Having a dog present in the room helps shift the focus. Instead of staring at a therapist, a teen can pet, play with, and cuddle a trained dog. The experience often reduces anxiety, lowers defences, and allows therapy to unfold more naturally. Adults, too, can benefit from this gentler entry point into difficult conversations. The calming presence of a dog has also been linked to reductions in heart rate and blood pressure, making therapy sessions not only emotionally safer but physically grounding as well. Dogs bring a sense of unconditional acceptance, which can be especially healing for individuals working through grief, trauma, and self-doubt. Beyond the science, there’s something simple and deeply human about connecting with animals. In many cultures and households, dogs are considered companions, protectors, and family members. When they join us in a therapeutic space, they remind us that healing doesn’t have to be clinical or intimidating – it can be warm, relational, and even joyful. Here in Lambeth, I feel grateful to bring together my love of community, my expertise in mental health, and the gentle power of canine-assisted therapy with my trained therapy dog, Dixie. For teens and adults ages 14+ who might feel unsure about traditional approaches, having a dog in the room can make all the difference. Sometimes healing starts with something as simple as a wagging tail and a quiet moment of connection. Ray Bezzina, RSW, is a Lambeth resident, mom of a teen, registered social worker, public speaker & educator, Masters of Health Science candidate, and owner of Ray Bezzina, Inc. – providing canine-assisted therapy for individuals 14+ with the support of her trained therapy dog, Dixie.
For teens, this can be especially powerful. Many young people describe therapy as intimidating or suggest it feels like too much
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Lambeth Villager • October 2025 • Page 5
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