The Gentle Paw — Our Services
Healing that honors
the human–animal bond
Specialized therapeutic services for those navigating grief, fear, connection, and the profound emotional world we share with animals.
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What We Do
A practice built around
the bond that matters most
The Gentle Paw is a specialized counseling practice offering evidence-informed, animal-assisted therapeutic services. Whether you're grieving the loss of a beloved pet, working through fear, or seeking the healing power of animal connection — we meet you exactly where you are.
Most of our services are available virtually. Animal-Assisted Counseling is offered in person at our Nyack, NY and Stamford, CT locations.
Our Services
05 offerings
Virtual & In-Person
01
Pet Loss & Grief Support
The loss of a companion animal is a profound grief that deserves to be witnessed and honored. We provide compassionate support as you navigate this often misunderstood loss.
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Virtual Available
02
ESA Evaluation
Emotional Support Animal evaluations conducted by a licensed therapist. We assess your therapeutic need and provide documentation to support your housing and travel needs.
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In-Person · NY & CT
03
Exposure Work: Fear of Dogs
Structured, evidence-based exposure therapy to help you gradually overcome fear and anxiety around dogs — at a pace that feels safe and empowering for you.
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Nyack, NY · Stamford, CT
04
Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy
Therapy sessions intentionally incorporating animal partners to facilitate emotional processing, build trust, and deepen the therapeutic experience in meaningful ways.
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Assessment & Support
05
Child Aggression Toward Animals: Assessment & Support
Compassionate assessment and therapeutic support for families navigating concerns about a child's behavior toward animals — addressing the whole child and family system.
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Group Programs
Group-based healing experiences centered on the human–animal bond. Details and waitlist opening soon — stay tuned for something meaningful.
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Why animal-assisted
therapy works
Animals communicate without judgment, hold space without condition, and offer a kind of presence that words often can't replace. In our sessions, certified animal partners help bridge the gap between what clients feel and what they're ready to say.
Our clinicians are trained in both traditional evidence-based modalities and animal-assisted intervention frameworks — so every session is intentional, ethical, and deeply human.
Nyack, New York
Stamford, Connecticut
Your path forward
Reach Out
Contact us via email or schedule a free consultation. We'll answer your questions and help you understand if our services are the right fit.
Initial Consultation
A 15–20 minute call to explore your needs, answer your questions, and discuss which of our services would support you best.
Begin Your Journey
We'll schedule your intake session and build a care plan that honors your goals, your pace, and the bond you hold with the animals in your life.
Grow & Heal
Ongoing sessions tailored to your evolving needs — with the full support of our compassionate, specialized team every step of the way.
Ready to Begin?
The right support
is closer than you think
Whether you're grieving, healing, or simply ready for something different — we'd be honored to walk alongside you.