![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/Baila-and-client-1024x768.jpg?_t=1705540650\")
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Baila, now 2, joined the organisation from Guide Dogs Victoria and has been integrated into all of the SAFV Centre’s services.<\/p>\n
On a typical counselling day, she attends up to four appointments with clients, including client sessions with Child Protection and the Sexual Offences and Child-abuse Investigation Team.<\/p>\n
Baila has already had a profound effect, offering visitors to the Centre a distraction from challenging situations, unconditional friendship and support.<\/p>\n
“Baila is also attentive and in tune with client’s emotions,” Thomas said.<\/p>\n
“A client became teary in a session and Baila went up to this client and put her head on the client’s lap.<\/p>\n
“The client gave Baila a pat and began to regulate herself.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of the centre’s clients has already attended more than 10 sessions with Baila in the room.<\/p>\n “Baila has helped clients feel more comfortable in counselling sessions and eases some of the nerves,” Thomas said.<\/p>\n “Having Baila in the room is a conversation starter and provides some humour.<\/p>\n “There have been times where Baila will have a nap in the room and will snore. This has allowed clients and counsellors to have a laugh.<\/p>\n “This not only calms nerves for the clients, but also helps facilitate therapeutic rapport between clients and counsellors.”<\/p>\n Baila enjoys frequent naps, a daily 4pm finish time and a comfortable home with her guardian.<\/p>\n Her presence has also made a difference to the centre’s other employees.<\/p>\n “Staff have overwhelmingly enjoyed having Baila around the office,” Thomas said.<\/p>\n “She puts a smile on their face, supports staff well-being and also helps when having a particularly tough day.”<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/Baila-indoors-768x1024.jpg?_t=1705540764\")