Animal‑Assisted Trauma Recovery

Healing through connection, one gentle interaction at a time.

At Lucia Hope, we know that healing from trauma is not only a mental and emotional journey — it’s also about rebuilding trust, connection, and a sense of safety in the world. Animals have a remarkable ability to meet people exactly where they are, offering unconditional love, non‑judgment, and a calming presence that words alone cannot provide.

Our Animal‑Assisted Trauma Recovery program integrates the therapeutic power of animals into daily life, creating moments of joy, comfort, and empowerment for survivors.

Why Animals?

For many survivors of domestic violence, homelessness, or other trauma, human relationships may have been sources of pain or fear. Animals offer a different kind of connection — one that is safe, consistent, and free from judgment.

Research shows that interaction with animals can:

• Lower blood pressure and heart rate

• Reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD

• Increase levels of oxytocin (the “bonding hormone”)

• Improve emotional regulation and social engagement

Our Program in Action

Therapy Dogs

Our certified therapy dogs are more than companions — they are trusted friends who provide comfort during difficult moments, encourage residents to open up in counseling sessions, and offer a steady source of affection and reassurance.

Farm Animal Care

From feeding chickens to grooming goats, residents engage in hands‑on care that fosters responsibility, empathy, and a sense of accomplishment. These daily routines create structure and purpose, while the animals’ gentle nature helps residents feel grounded and connected.

Beekeeping for Mindfulness

Working with bees requires calm focus, patience, and respect for nature’s rhythms. Residents learn hive care, honey harvesting, and pollination’s vital role in our ecosystem — all while experiencing the meditative benefits of this ancient practice.

Therapeutic Benefits Beyond the Moment

Animal‑assisted interactions are not just comforting in the present — they help lay the groundwork for healthier relationships in the future. Residents often report:

• Increased trust in others

• Greater self‑confidence

• Improved communication skills

• A renewed sense of joy and playfulness

A Gentle Path Back to Connection

For many, the first step toward reconnecting with people begins with connecting to an animal. Whether it’s the wag of a tail, the soft nuzzle of a goat, or the hum of a beehive, these moments remind residents that kindness, trust, and love still exist — and that they are worthy of receiving them.