Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) sessions can be a valuable therapeutic model for helping children, adolescents, adults or families. It is a model of therapy in which I  include either Annie, my dog or Flossie & Bertie, my rabbits within the context of Play Therapy or Therapeutic Play.

Play and playfulness are essential elements of the programme, as is maintaining the wellbeing of both animals and clients at all times; as such everyone has choice about their participation. The inclusion of animals and playfulness in the sessions means that children or young people often feel more relaxed and receptive to the therapeutic process. 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.