Animal Assisted Therapy

I remember my first time participating in equine therapy. I was so nervous. I hadn’t been around a lot of horses while growing up in Los Angeles County, so I felt out of my element. Fast forward a few weeks, and I had fallen in love. There’s something so special about animals and how they can just show up and put a person at ease. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a powerful therapeutic modality that can bring healing and hope in a way unlike other therapeutic modalities.

What is it?

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a treatment method in which an animal is used to support a client emotionally. Using an animal in therapy (such as a horse or dog) is usually worked into the treatment plan and can include activities like petting or grooming. Sometimes the “activity” is just the animal being present, as that alone can be beneficial in the therapy process.

Why AAT? What are the benefits?

As you can imagine, there are many benefits to AAT, including but not limited to:

·      Stress reduction

·      Improved mood

·      Comfort/safety

·      Companionship

·      Relaxation

·      Social Skills and communication

·      Esteem

Who is it for? Who is it not for?

Because every human is unique in their needs, therapy naturally needs to be tailored to each individual. That being said, AAT is for those who elect to have it as a component to treatment. It can be particularly helpful for clients who are hesitant to participate in traditional talk therapy or who struggle to express themselves verbally.

However, AAT is not for everyone. If someone has a fear of animals, an allergy, or a history of violence towards animals, AAT may not be the best fit.

What does it look like at Brown Family Counseling?

Back when I participated in equine therapy, I started to imagine how I could incorporate AAT into sessions once I became a therapist. Years later, we brought Carl home. Carl, named after a psychologist who helped create person-centered therapy, is a Certified Therapy Dog through The Alliance for Therapy Dogs. Certification consists of Carl and the handler (Sarah) taking a test and then participating in three observations to ensure that the team is ready to support others. Carl will be coming into the office a few days a week to provide additional support with his gentle presence and inviting personality. He looks forward to assisting you in your therapeutic endeavors.