Meet Toby!
Hello, friends!
Toby is an intentional part of this space. His presence offers something steady and unspoken that many find supportive.
This is Toby, my therapy cat.
Toby is a part of my in-person therapy space. He spends sessions doing what cats do best— sleeping, stretching, quietly observing, and occasionally offering a gentle snuggle. At times, he may add a comment or two, meowing as if he’s joining our conversation. Sometimes he ignores us completed. It’s all welcome here.
Toby isn’t trained to perform of interact on cue. His role is simply to exist— steady, regulated, and unapologetically himself. Clients find his presence grounding, especially during moments when words feel hard or emotions feel heavy.
Toby is named after my grandpa, whose love for animals has deeply shaped how I view and extend compassion to all beings.
What to Expect:
Toby may be in the room during in-person sessions
He typically enjoys resting on the couch next to clients
There is no expectation to engage with him in any way
You are always welcome to set boundaries around any interactions
Consent & Options
If you would prefer not to have Toby present, you can let me know at least 1 day prior to your session, and I won’t bring him. No explanation needed.
Allergies & Considerations
If you have allergies, sensory sensitivities, or concerns about having a cat in the office, please reach out ahead of time so we can determine whether this space is a good fit for you.
Research consistently shows that the presence of animals can have a meaningful impact on emotional wellbeing. Studies have found that interaction with pets can": lower stress hormones to support a calmer nervous system, increase oxytocin, support emotional regulation, and encourage present-moment awareness. Animals offer companionship without expectation or judgement. Their steady presence can help create a sense of safety, grounding, and emotional ease—often in ways words cannot.