Meet Frankie, Our Therapy Bunny
Frankie is a soft, welcoming presence in the therapy space. She doesn’t ask questions or expect anything. She simply shows up, offering a calm, nonjudgmental connection that many children and teens respond to right away, especially those who feel anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure how to express themselves.
Why a Therapy Bunny
Research on animal-assisted therapy shows that interacting with animals can reduce stress, support emotional regulation, and increase feelings of safety and connection. Gentle interaction with animals has been linked to decreased cortisol and increased oxytocin, helping the nervous system settle.
Emerging research suggests that rabbits can be especially supportive for children. Rabbits are naturally quiet, sensitive animals, which often makes them a better fit for children who are easily overstimulated or who need a softer, more attuned interaction.
How Frankie Supports Therapy
Frankie is included in sessions when it feels supportive and appropriate. She may help with:
-
Emotional regulation through calming, repetitive touch
-
Building trust and easing into connection
-
Supporting expression through projection and storytelling
-
Developing awareness of boundaries and attunement
-
Reducing anxiety and softening difficult moments
A Respectful Approach
Frankie is treated as a valued participant in the space. Children are guided in how to interact with her gently and respectfully, which often becomes part of the therapeutic work, learning to read cues, slow down, and move with care. Therapy does not always begin with words. Sometimes it begins with sitting quietly, feeling safe, and letting things unfold from there.
References
-
American Psychological Association – Human–animal interaction research highlights reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, and increased therapeutic engagement.
-
National Institutes of Health – Studies on human–animal interaction show physiological benefits including decreased cortisol and increased oxytocin.
Rabbit-specific research:
-
Pendry, P., et al. (2020). Classroom-based animal-assisted interventions with rabbits showed significant reductions in anxiety in children, particularly those with higher baseline stress.
-
Recent rabbit-assisted intervention studies (2023–2024) have demonstrated improvements in self-esteem and emotional well-being in children participating in structured rabbit interaction programs.
-
Fine, A. (Ed.). (2019). Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy – identifies small animals, including rabbits, as effective in therapeutic settings due to their calming presence and accessibility for children.