top of page
Stable Solutions
Where "horsing around" is allowed
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)
What Is It?
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a therapeutic approach that integrates animals into the treatment process. Its goal is to enhance a client's social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning. AAT is provided by specially trained healthcare professionals and their animals, who operate within their professional scope of practice.
AAT is a goal-directed intervention with specific treatment plans and measurable objectives. Animals meeting certain criteria are an integral part of the treatment process. AAT can be utilized for individuals of any age with various presentations like anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, etc. Benefits may include improved social skills, motivation, emotional regulation, reduced stress and anxiety.
AAT differs from animal-assisted activities which provide recreational benefits through visits with animals in various settings.
Why Use AAT?
Engaging with animals, often captures children's inherent curiosity and interest, facilitating quick rapport building. The presence of animals frequently enhances social capabilities in children while reducing problematic or aggressive behaviors. Interacting with animals usually bolsters self-esteem and emotional expression in young clients. These interactions foster healthy attachment bonds, not just with the animal but also human connections.
Children commonly develop empathy, sharing, and nurturing skills through caring and interacting with the animal. For those who have experienced trauma, the animal provides an emotionally safe avenue to open up. Acceptance from the animal offers a nurturing experience and generally helps improve cooperation, problem-solving, and other skills in children.
Is Play Involved?
I may incorporate animals into therapeutic play which can be a powerful and engaging approach for children. I use directive and non-directive play therapy techniques, while the animal acts as a catalyst for interaction, emotional expression, and rapport building. The animal's presence can help reduce anxiety, increase focus, and provide an avenue for attachment experiences for children.
What Type Of Animals?
I work closely with my dogs, cats, and horses to provide emotional support, relationship building, and healing interactions for children and youth. One may experience the transformative power of animal-assisted therapy with dedicated sessions which include these animals.
Where's The Evidence?
Growing evidence supports that animal-assisted therapy (AAT) can be beneficial for numerous psychological conditions and a variety of populations. Underlying AAT is the therapist's theoretical orientation such as Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Adlerian Therapy etc.
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has a rich history that dates back to early pioneers like Boris Levinson, who is often credited with its development in the 1960s. Sigmund Freud also contributed by incorporating his dog, Jofi, into psychotherapy sessions, highlighting the therapeutic potential of animal companionship. Florence Nightingale recognized the calming effects of animals on patients during her nursing practices.
In recent years, authors/researchers like Aubrey Fine, Risë Van Fleet, Kay Sudekum Trotter, and Cynthia Chandler have further advanced the field, exploring the psychological and emotional benefits of integrating animals into therapeutic settings.
What About Specialized Training?
JBesides being a Registered Psychologist, I have additional, specialized training in the area of animal-assisted therapy through The International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy Studies (IIAAPTS), and through the Animal Assisted Wellness Certification 2-year program at Lakeland College, Alberta.
bottom of page