A new team member in Carle Health Greater Peoria is making a lasting impact on the people he interacts with – patients, families and staff alike.
Indy, 5, is a golden retriever and certified therapy dog. Together with his owner – Carle Health
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Michelle Valentine – Indy helps behavioral health patients calm their nerves, decrease stress and feel more comfortable in a clinical setting.
“The joy on people’s faces – how they light up when they see him – is so impactful,” Valentine said. “He provides comfort and unconditional support, and some patients say having him around makes a big difference in how they move forward with treatment.”
Certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Indy works one-to-two days per week at the Carle Health Methodist Atrium Medical Office Center. He has also makes visits to the Methodist Partial Hospitalization Program and Trillium Place Young Minds Center.
Valentine says he provides a calming presence, companionship and even helps patients practice their communication skills.
“He is great to just chat with because he won’t give any negative feedback,” Valentine said. “He has his own routine though, as well, and can help others understand how to respect boundaries.”
Indy continues to stay busy outside of office hours – he helps in a variety of settings including retirement homes, summer camps, local schools, colleges, libraries and a memory care center.
“Patients at the center remember him. They may not remember me, but they remember him,” Valentine said.
“He brings such a happy presence and makes a remarkable difference for our patients, their families and our team members,” Outpatient Behavioral Health Manager, Emily Miller, said. “For those struggling with mental health challenges, seeking or continuing treatment can be difficult. Indy helps remind them that the clinic is a safe space by calming their worries and reducing their
stress levels, which can often lead to increased treatment engagement, enhanced confidence and achieving their goals.”
Indy is one of many helpful therapy dogs throughout the Carle Health system. To read more about our incredible therapy dogs and their connection with Volunteer Services, please visit this article.
“Indy was born for this. He gets so excited when I get his vest and harness out. He enjoys people and assumes everyone loves him,” Valentine said. “When we get home, he is exhausted after a long day at work.”
Indy, 5, is a golden retriever and certified therapy dog. Together with his owner – Carle Health
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Michelle Valentine – Indy helps behavioral health patients calm their nerves, decrease stress and feel more comfortable in a clinical setting.“The joy on people’s faces – how they light up when they see him – is so impactful,” Valentine said. “He provides comfort and unconditional support, and some patients say having him around makes a big difference in how they move forward with treatment.”
Certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Indy works one-to-two days per week at the Carle Health Methodist Atrium Medical Office Center. He has also makes visits to the Methodist Partial Hospitalization Program and Trillium Place Young Minds Center.
Valentine says he provides a calming presence, companionship and even helps patients practice their communication skills.“He is great to just chat with because he won’t give any negative feedback,” Valentine said. “He has his own routine though, as well, and can help others understand how to respect boundaries.”
Indy continues to stay busy outside of office hours – he helps in a variety of settings including retirement homes, summer camps, local schools, colleges, libraries and a memory care center.
“Patients at the center remember him. They may not remember me, but they remember him,” Valentine said.
“He brings such a happy presence and makes a remarkable difference for our patients, their families and our team members,” Outpatient Behavioral Health Manager, Emily Miller, said. “For those struggling with mental health challenges, seeking or continuing treatment can be difficult. Indy helps remind them that the clinic is a safe space by calming their worries and reducing their
stress levels, which can often lead to increased treatment engagement, enhanced confidence and achieving their goals.”Indy is one of many helpful therapy dogs throughout the Carle Health system. To read more about our incredible therapy dogs and their connection with Volunteer Services, please visit this article.
“Indy was born for this. He gets so excited when I get his vest and harness out. He enjoys people and assumes everyone loves him,” Valentine said. “When we get home, he is exhausted after a long day at work.”
Categories: Culture of Quality
Tags: behavioral, center, dog, dogs, health, indy, minds, outpatient, place, therapy, trillium, young