Compassionate Care for Unique Needs

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Individual outpatient mental health counseling for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health concerns.

This work is grounded in respect, autonomy, and the belief that every person deserves to be understood beyond labels or systems.

Therapy may support adults experiencing:

• Anxiety or depression
• Low self-esteem and low self-worth
• Hopelessness or learned helplessness
• Loneliness and difficulty developing meaningful relationships
• Grief, trauma, or significant life changes
• Difficulty expressing emotions or personal needs
• Stress related to support systems, agency involvement, or team meetings
• Feeling dismissed, misunderstood, controlled, or defined by a diagnosis
• Difficulty advocating for personal choices, boundaries, and preferences
• Challenges related to body image, food, or eating concerns (including disordered eating patterns and eating disorders)

Counseling is adapted to each person’s communication style, cognitive abilities, sensory needs, and emotional readiness. Sessions may incorporate visual supports, experiential activities, movement, animal-assisted therapy, and sound-based regulation when appropriate.

Animal-assisted therapy is a gentle, grounding part of the therapeutic environment at Sounds and Furs.

Rabbits are used intentionally to support emotional connection, calm, and engagement. Their quiet, nonjudgmental presence can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of safety for individuals who may feel overwhelmed in traditional talk therapy settings.

Bunny-assisted therapy may support:

• Emotional regulation and calming the nervous system
• Building trust and connection at a comfortable pace
• Encouraging communication through shared attention and interaction
• Practicing gentle responsibility, care, and nurturing skills
• Supporting sensory grounding through soft, calming interaction
• Creating moments of joy, comfort, and emotional safety

Interactions with animals are always optional, client-led, and based on comfort level. The goal is never pressure or performance, but connection and regulation.

You are more than a diagnosis, behavior plan, case file, or service recipient. Your feelings, choices, relationships, and goals matter.