Education

Charlotte school uses furry friends to boost mental health

Charlotte Lab School brought in two new therapy dogs to help battle students' anxiety and frustration.
Posted 2023-02-05T18:54:28+00:00 - Updated 2023-02-05T18:54:28+00:00
Photo credit: Jeff Blackburn/12 News

Mental health issues in kids continue to be an ongoing challenge. One local school is finding new ways to promote change, using furry friends to boost mental health and academics.

Aniesha Jackson, a counselor at Charlotte Lab School, wanted to make some changes to her counseling program.

Jackson says that what worked in 2018 and before is different than now, as more and more students are battling with frustration and anxiety.

Now the goal is to meet students where they are, so the school added two new therapy dogs. The addition of these furry friends "shifts the entire atmosphere," said Jackson.

For more information, visit www.wcnc.com.

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