Introducing Teddy
Lake Anna, VA by Lorraine Wodiska
INTRODUCING TEDDY
A few years ago, it became clear that Stella needed to “Job Share,” as it asks a great deal of a dog to listen closely to people all day long and assess their moods. Of course, we brought another Shih Tzu into the family, and this time we decided on a male pup. He was born in September 2016 and is energetic, spent four years “in training” and remains interested in playing.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING SESSIONS?
Arlington, VA by Lorraine Wodiska
Teddy has taken over most of Stella’s responsibilities. At this time, he comes into all individual, couples and group sessions. He is very friendly and enjoys being with people. He is likely to greet you at the door and will escort you to the exit at the end of the session. Sometimes, sensing a mood or feeling, he will walk over to you to be available to be petted during our appointment. He may respond to you in other ways as well, by bringing you a toy or vocalizing to ask permission to play or requesting to sit on the seat near you. Teddy is attentive to the affect in each session, he will sometimes respond by moving towards you, sometimes moving to another place in the room and sometimes staying put in his place.
Although he will most often sit/lie quietly throughout our time together he creates a unique relationship with each person. Some people have petted him throughout a session, some have told their most difficult stories to him while I listen. Some sit on the floor and play with him while we are talking, and some leave him completely alone.
Within couples’ sessions, he may respond to struggles between partners by going over to one or the other member or by sitting between them. One or the other in the couple may talk to him or engage in play. These interactions frequently bring forward information about the individual and their relational dynamics within the couple and parenting styles.
In group therapy, sometimes, Teddy will sit at someone’s feet and sometimes will ask someone to play. He may sit in the middle of the group, or at the door when he has had enough of group therapy. Again, members respond to Teddy as well: looking for comfort or understanding, making interpretations about his behavior towards themselves or others, or being reminded about experiences with their parents, siblings, and partners.
