Elizabeth Ruegg DSW, LCSW

About

Dr. Elizabeth Ruegg is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified animal-assisted psychotherapist in Port Richey, Florida.

She is a full-time faculty member in the MSW department at Saint Leo University, where she teaches psychopathology and other advanced practice classes to graduate-level social work students. Her doctoral work explored the mechanisms of effectiveness in canine-assisted psychotherapy, and her research interests are focused on leveraging the human-animal bond in psychotherapy.

She is a regular speaker on animal-assisted psychotherapy and has authored several articles and chapters about animal-assisted interventions and mental health. She maintains a small private counseling practice in west-central Florida, where she and her golden retriever therapy dogs help clients achieve their psychotherapy goals.

Recent Posts

The Fascinating History of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy might seem new, but its roots go back centuries. Explore the enduring bond between humans and animals in therapeutic settings.

Support Animals: Veterans' Best Friends

Discover how emotional support animals, service dogs, and animal-assisted psychotherapy may benefit military veterans through task-based assistance and therapeutic engagement.

Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy to Treat Personality Disorders

If you haven’t successfully treated your BPD with first-line therapies like DBT, animal-assisted interventions might help.

Help Your Teen Conquer Social Anxiety Disorder

Is your teen struggling with social anxiety? Canine-assisted psychotherapy could help.

Comparing Equine-Assisted and Canine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Do you relate more easily to horses or dogs than other people? Animal-assisted psychotherapy might be right for you.

The Life-Changing Benefits of Psychiatric Service Dogs

Service dogs for people with mental health challenges help their handlers achieve life goals with courage, dignity, and independence.

A New Approach for Kids Who Refuse Counseling

Are you struggling with a child who needs mental health care but refuses to participate? Animal-assisted psychotherapy might be just what you (both) need.

Therapy, Service, and Emotional Support Dogs

Learn the differences and how to know which dogs you should and should not approach.

Train, Test, and Register Your Therapy Dog

Have you always wanted to know how to volunteer with your pup on a therapy dog team? Three steps will prepare you for the journey of a lifetime.

What Makes a Good Therapy Dog?

Can’t wait to volunteer with your dog in animal-assisted activities? Make sure it’s his idea of a good time, too.