An Edinburgh university has launched a unique programme to better benefit its students mental health - through the use of puppy therapy.
The University of Edinburgh has launched its Paws on Campus programme recently, which will provide an unusual style of support for students who are suffering with stress and anxiety through their studies.
The support combines clinical psychology with veterinary science through a series of activity sessions.
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One of the programme's creators, Professor Jo Williams, has said that interacting with the pups can "have a range of benefits for students from reducing stress to increasing positive mood".
She added: "Each session has a key focus, based on psychological research, to enhance wellbeing and provide each participant with skills that they can use to support their mental health.
"Interacting with the dogs is an essential part of the programme and students are also learning about canine welfare and compassion to self and others."
Each of the sessions focuses on different outcomes and objectives that are designed to help students reflect on their own issues, and recognise connections between their own wellbeing, and animal welfare, according to the university.
Following trial sessions towards the end of last year, staff have set up a referral route to link the programme with the university’s student wellbeing programme.
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Once a student has been referred, and cleared through a screening process, they are offered four weekly sessions with other students, a registered therapy dog, and its handler.
During these sessions, the participants will engage in a range of exercises that involve the pup, including relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
Izzy Adams, a third year student who took part in the trial sessions, said it had been “great learning the various grounding and awareness techniques that you can also do in your own time."
She added: "I found it made mindfulness – something that I struggled with before – so much easier when there is a dog to focus on."
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