Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)
Not all animal-assisted approaches are the same—the effectiveness depends on how the work is guided.
What Is It?
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a therapeutic approach that thoughtfully integrates animals into the treatment process to support a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
At Stable Solutions, AAT is used as part of a structured, goal-focused therapy process. This means that time with animals is not just for comfort or enjoyment—it is guided by your child’s individual goals and incorporated into sessions in a purposeful way.
How Animals Support Therapy
For many children, engaging with animals naturally captures their interest and helps them feel more comfortable. This often allows for quicker rapport building and increased engagement in therapy.
When used intentionally, animals can help children:
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feel calmer and more regulated
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express emotions more easily
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build confidence and self-esteem
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develop empathy, nurturing, and social skills
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improve problem-solving and cooperation
For children who have experienced stress or trauma, animals can provide a safe and supportive way to begin opening up and connecting.
Animals are not simply present in sessions—they are thoughtfully integrated into therapeutic work.
I may incorporate animals into both directive and non-directive play therapy, where they act as a catalyst for:
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interaction and engagement
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emotional expression
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relationship-building
Their presence can help reduce anxiety, increase focus, and create meaningful opportunities for connection and growth.
A Structured and Intentional Approach
Animal-Assisted Therapy is a goal-directed intervention with specific treatment plans and measurable objectives.
Animals included in sessions meet appropriate criteria and are selected based on their temperament, preferences, and ability to work safely with children. Care is taken to ensure a good fit between the child, the animal, and the therapeutic goals.
A strong emphasis is placed on the well-being of both the child and the animal.
AAT vs Animal-Assisted Activities
Animal-Assisted Therapy is different from animal-assisted activities.
While activities may involve visiting or spending time with animals for enjoyment, therapy is:
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structured
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guided by a trained professional
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focused on meaningful change
Animals are part of the process—but the therapy is what creates progress.
Training and Professional Background
In addition to being a Registered Psychologist, I have completed specialized training in animal-assisted therapy through:
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The International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy Studies (IIAAPTS)
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The Animal Assisted Wellness Certification (2-year program), Lakeland College
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Eagala (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association)
My work is also grounded in play therapy approaches, including directive and non-directive methods, and continues to be developed through ongoing professional learning.
What Does the Research Say?
Growing evidence supports the use of animal-assisted therapy for a variety of psychological concerns and populations.
The effectiveness of AAT is influenced by the therapist’s underlying approach. At Stable Solutions, this work is integrated within established therapeutic frameworks such as play therapy and other evidence-informed models to support meaningful outcomes.
A Brief History
Therapeutic involvement of animals has been recognized for decades. Early contributors such as Boris Levinson, Sigmund Freud, and Florence Nightingale observed the positive emotional and calming effects animals can have.
More recent researchers and authors, including Aubrey Fine, Risë Van Fleet, Kay Sudekum Trotter, and Cynthia Chandler, have continued to explore and support the integration of animals into therapeutic practice.
