Animal Assisted Therapy

The model of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) which I use in sessions can be a valuable therapeutic model for helping children, adolescents, adults or families. It is a model of therapy in which I include Annie, my dog within the context of Play Therapy or Therapeutic Play. She mostly prefers to work one to one rather than with families and I honour her choice as much as I do for the children and young people.

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Play and playfulness are essential elements of this model, as is maintaining the wellbeing of both Annie and clients at all times; as such everyone has choice about their participation. The inclusion of Annie and playfulness in the sessions means that children or young people often feel more relaxed and receptive to the therapeutic process. It can be very powerful in opening young people up to relationship connection. Annie will accept some occasional scratches in her favourite places however, she is not a lap dog or one who wants to just sit and observe; she wants to be involved and to play! This will not suit everyone and so I will think carefully about the suitability of Annie for your child's sessions in order to make sure everyone's needs are considered.

 

The AAT sessions can be helpful for a variety of presenting concerns such as anxiety, abuse, trauma, family difficulties, fear of animals, behavioural concerns or emotional difficulties.