Return to Life

My name is Lise de Clercq. I am an emotional therapist using therapy dogs with a specialization in post-traumatic stress disorder. 

 

During the Swords of Iron War, I initiated the "Return to Life" project, which is a unique project for emotional therapy using Newfoundland dogs, a breed of maritime rescue dogs with rare closeness and resilience and very deep emotional intelligence.

 

The project provides support to soldiers who have been injured and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or who have been injured and are in the process of rehabilitation, during the most difficult period of their lives.

 

When words no longer help, dogs speak the language of the heart. The dog's eyes meet eyes that have seen difficult scenes, crying eyes, and restless thoughts. 

 

After meeting soldiers who need a different therapeutic envelope – one that combines warmth, loyalty, and a language that goes beyond words and creates a deep connection between the dogs and the soldier – I decided to try and expand the treatment to more and more soldiers who need it. 

 

Therapy with dogs enables deep emotional healing, and helps reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The dog becomes a bridge between the therapist and the patient, leading the soldiers to rediscover their inner strength and personal resilience.

 

What do the dogs of "Returning to Life" do? They are partners in the journey.

 

The therapy dogs and I come to a therapy session that includes a conversation that allows the soldier to receive emotional support, guidance and spiritual strengthening, and therapy in contact with the dog. 

 

The therapy provides a new beginning in life and a supportive relationship with a therapy dog that comes to visit him during hospitalization and rehabilitation, which are part of the bright spot and rehabilitation of the injured soldiers.

 

I intend to train a team of therapists in therapy dogs to expand this therapeutic project that gives great hope for the rehabilitation of the soldiers.