sss thethHave you ever considered the positive impact of a rabbit in your mental health treatment?

When Mello-Dee began her journey as a Licensed Professional Counselor, she knew animal-assisted therapy would be part of her practice. Dogs, cats, horses – all crossed her mind. But a therapy rabbit? That was not initially on her radar.

In This Blog Post:

· Evidence-Based Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy

· 5 Unique Benefits of Therapy Rabbits

· Success Stories: How Henry Helps Clients

· Rabbit-Assisted Therapy Techniques

· Therapy Rabbits vs. Other Therapy Animals

· What to Expect in Your First Session

· Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Area

· FAQs About Therapy Rabbits

· Schedule Your Consultation

Research shows animal-assisted therapy can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. According to studies published on the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), interaction with therapy animals helps lower cortisol (stress hormone), reduce blood pressure, and promote feelings of calm and safety (HABRI, 2025).

A study examining the effect of rabbit-assistants in classroom found anxiety scores were significantly lower during periods when the rabbits were present compared to not being there. (Suba-Bokodi et al., 2020).

 

What Does Research Tell Us About Animal Therapy?

Multiple peer-reviewed studies confirm even brief interactions with therapy animals can reduce stress and improve mood. When compared to traditional talk therapy alone, sessions incorporating a therapy animal show improved outcomes for many clients, particularly those with anxiety-related conditions.

 

Why Choose a Therapy Rabbit? 5 Unique Benefits Over Other Therapy Animals

Unlike larger therapy animals, rabbits offer several distinctive advantages as the ideal therapy partner for certain clients.

1. Non-threatening presence: Their small size feels less intimidating to anxious clients or those with trauma histories

2. Calming energy: Rabbits naturally project a peaceful demeanor that can help regulate emotional states

3. Tactile comfort: Their exceptionally soft fur provides soothing sensory input for clients with sensory processing needs

4. Silent support: They listen without judgment or interruption, creating space for authentic emotional expression

5. Intuitive connection: Many rabbits demonstrate remarkable sensitivity to human emotional distress

 

How I Found Henry, My Lion Head Therapy Rabbit

Today, we’ll share how Mellow-Dee’s therapy rabbit Henry, transformed her practice in ways she never imagined possible.

After researching local animal therapy programs, Mello-Dee discovered a breeder who specializes in socialized rabbits – ones specifically raised for comfort visits to nursing homes. She wondered: could these gentle creatures maintain their composure while clients processed difficult emotions, perhaps even crying while holding them?

The moment she met Henry, a double-coated lion head, with luxurious fur extending beyond just his distinctive mane, she knew he was “The One.” His calm demeanor and attentive presence were exactly what her counseling practice needed.

 

Children Connect with Henry

Their first session together involved a 5-year-old boy with Down Syndrome. He initially wanted nothing to do with Mello-Dee. Instead, he engaged in a full 30-minute conversation with Henry, who sat patiently across the rug. By session’s end, Henry had gently positioned himself beside the child, accepting soft pets without any sign of distress or agitation. He was completely present in the moment – a quality many human therapists strive to achieve!

 

Adults Find Comfort in Rabbit-Assisted Therapy

Adults connect with Henry just as profoundly. One client experiencing postpartum depression specifically requested “Henry-time” appointments. She would settle on the office couch and release her emotions while Henry instinctively sat beside her. He offered unconditional acceptance as she stroked his fur. Mello-Dee witnessed a remarkable therapeutic bond develop between them. Henry provided comfort that traditional therapy alone could not offer.

For clients struggling with anxiety or depression, Henry creates a bridge to emotional expression. His presence helps:

· Lowers physiological stress responses

· Create a sense of safety to express difficult emotions

· Gives space to experience moments of joy and connection

· Practices mindfulness through gentle interaction

· Builds confidence through successful animal interaction

Their counselor and therapy rabbit partnership required mutual training and adaptation. She taught Henry practical skills like using a litter box and enjoying fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley. Meanwhile, he taught her to recognize his communication cues.

They established a system where he signals discomfort. Henry stomps his feet and makes a small growl when someone’s approach feels threatening – before resorting to pawing. This boundary-setting becomes therapeutically valuable for clients to observe, especially those working on their own boundary issues.

 

How Does a Therapy Rabbit Session Work?

During a typical therapy session with Henry, clients have the option to:

· Hold Henry in their lap while we talk

· Sit near him on the floor

· Simply observe him while processing difficult emotions

· Practice mindfulness by gently stroking his fur

The flexibility of interaction allows clients to engage at their comfort level. This makes rabbit-assisted therapy accessible to those with various needs and preferences.

People often ask, “Why not a therapy dog?”

After experiencing Henry’s natural therapeutic instincts firsthand, Mello-Dee would not trade him for all the canines in the world. His gentle presence, non-threatening size, and intuitive ability to connect with clients makes him uniquely suited for certain therapeutic goals.

 

Comparing Different Therapy Animals

The different therapy animal strengths include:

Rabbits:  Calm presence, non-threatening, sensory comfort Anxiety, trauma, sensory needs, quiet reflection

Dogs:  Active engagement, emotional responsiveness Depression, social skills, physical activity

Horses:  Power dynamics, nonverbal communication Self-confidence, boundary work, relationship patterns

Cats:  Independence, consent-based interaction Attachment issues, respect for boundaries

While dogs excel at providing active engagement and horses offer powerful metaphorical experiences, rabbits like Henry create a particular type of calm, safe space which works wonderfully for certain therapeutic needs.

 

How to Find a Licensed Professional Counselor Who Offers Rabbit-Assisted Therapy

If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of rabbit-assisted therapy, here are steps to find other qualified providers:

1. Contact your local mental health association for referrals

2. Search online directories for animal-assisted therapists

3. Ask for recommendations from pet therapy organizations like Pet Partners

4. Check with university counseling programs that may offer animal-assisted therapy

5. Inquire about credentials – look for licensed counselors with animal therapy certification

What to Expect in Your First Rabbit-Assisted Therapy Session

Your initial session will include both standard intake procedures and an introduction to Henry. We’ll discuss your comfort level around animals and any allergies or concerns. Some clients prefer to observe Henry first before direct interaction, while others immediately benefit from holding him. The session structure adapts to your needs and therapeutic goals.

 

Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Area

Our rabbit-assisted therapy services are available to clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex through both in-person and virtual sessions. Virtual therapy sessions provide accessibility for clients who may have mobility challenges or prefer the comfort of their own home. For those who prefer in-person sessions, we’re excited to announce our new office opening soon in Bowie, TX. Located just northwest of Fort Worth, our Bowie location will serve clients from surrounding communities.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy Rabbits

Are rabbits good therapy animals?

Rabbits make excellent therapy animals due to their calm nature, non-threatening size, and intuitive responsiveness to human emotions. Research shows that interaction with therapy animals, including rabbits, can reduce stress hormones and anxiety levels in clinical settings.

How do therapy rabbits differ from therapy dogs?

Unlike therapy dogs, rabbits offer a gentler, less intimidating presence that can be particularly beneficial for clients with anxiety, trauma histories, or those uncomfortable around larger animals. Their quiet nature and soft fur provide a unique form of comfort, while their stillness encourages mindfulness and present-moment awareness.

What training does a therapy rabbit need?

Therapy rabbits need socialization training, litter box training, and handling desensitization. The rabbit must be comfortable being held, touched by strangers, and remain calm in new environments. Additionally, the handler needs training in animal-assisted therapy techniques and must be able to recognize signs of stress in their rabbit.

Who can benefit most from rabbit-assisted therapy?

Rabbit-assisted therapy can be particularly effective for:

· Children with special needs

· Individuals with anxiety disorders

· Trauma survivors

· Elderly patients

· Those uncomfortable around larger therapy animals

· Clients with sensory processing sensitivities

· People working on mindfulness practices

 

Schedule Your Rabbit-Assisted Counseling Session

Are you or your child struggling with:

· Anxiety or depression

· ADHD or focus issues

· Emotional regulation challenges

· We currently have availability for new clients. Book your complimentary 15-minute consultation today

Serving clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with in-person and virtual sessions. New office opening soon in Bowie, Texas.