Animal Assisted Psychotherapy: Healing With Animals

williamwilliam8263
Aug 25
4 min read

Mental health treatment has evolved in recent years to include a variety of evidence-based approaches. One unique and powerful method is animal assisted psychotherapy (AAP), where trained animals—such as dogs, horses, or even small therapy animals—are integrated into the therapeutic process.

This approach uses the bond between humans and animals to promote emotional healing, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Whether for children, teens, or adults, animal assisted psychotherapy can be an effective way to build trust, process emotions, and develop coping skills.

What is Animal Assisted Psychotherapy?

Animal assisted psychotherapy (sometimes called animal assisted therapy or AAT) is a form of counseling or therapy that incorporates animals into the treatment process under the guidance of a licensed therapist.

The goal is not just spending time with animals, but using structured interactions to support therapeutic goals, such as reducing anxiety, improving self-esteem, and building emotional regulation skills.

Animals used in therapy are specially trained to provide comfort and respond safely to clients’ needs. Common therapy animals include:

Dogs – for comfort, companionship, and reducing anxiety
Horses (Equine Therapy) – for confidence, communication, and emotional awareness
Cats – for relaxation and companionship
Small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds) – especially helpful with children and individuals who prefer smaller, calmer interactions

How Does Animal Assisted Psychotherapy Work?

Animal assisted psychotherapy works by combining traditional therapy techniques with animal interactions to create a safe, supportive environment.

Key Components:

Bonding with the Animal Building trust with the animal helps clients practice empathy, patience, and emotional connection.
Therapeutic Activities Clients may walk, groom, or play with the animal while discussing their thoughts and feelings with the therapist.
Nonjudgmental Support Animals provide unconditional acceptance, helping clients feel less self-conscious or judged.
Physiological Benefits Interacting with animals lowers stress hormones like cortisol and increases oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.”

This combination of emotional safety and physiological calm allows clients to engage more deeply in therapy.

Benefits of Animal Assisted Psychotherapy

Research and clinical practice show that AAP offers a wide range of benefits:

1. Emotional Healing

Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
Provides comfort during difficult conversations
Helps regulate emotions and reduce anger or frustration

2. Building Trust and Relationships

Encourages clients to develop trust in a safe setting
Supports children and trauma survivors who may struggle with human relationships

3. Stress Reduction

Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
Decreases feelings of loneliness and isolation

4. Self-Esteem and Confidence

Successfully caring for or working with an animal builds self-worth
Helps clients recognize their strengths and abilities

5. Social and Communication Skills

Encourages verbal and nonverbal communication
Useful for children with autism or developmental challenges

6. Trauma Recovery

Offers grounding and calming for those with PTSD or past abuse
Provides a safe outlet for processing difficult emotions

Who Can Benefit from Animal Assisted Psychotherapy?

Animal assisted psychotherapy can be helpful for a wide range of individuals, including:

Children and Adolescents – especially those with anxiety, ADHD, or social difficulties
Trauma Survivors – individuals healing from abuse, neglect, or PTSD
People with Depression or Anxiety – offering comfort and motivation
Veterans – equine therapy and service dogs are especially impactful
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder – improving social and communication skills
Older Adults – reducing loneliness and supporting cognitive health

Types of Animal Assisted Psychotherapy

There are different approaches within AAP, depending on the therapy goals and animals used.

Canine-Assisted Therapy
- Dogs help reduce anxiety and provide comfort
- Often used in counseling sessions or hospitals
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
- Horses reflect human emotions, providing powerful insights
- Activities may include grooming, leading, or observing horses
Feline-Assisted Therapy
- Cats promote calmness and relaxation
- Great for stress reduction and companionship
Small Animal Therapy
- Rabbits, guinea pigs, or birds provide gentle interaction
- Effective for children or those uncomfortable with larger animals

What Happens in an Animal Assisted Psychotherapy Session?

Each session looks different, depending on the therapist’s approach and client needs.

A Typical Session May Include:

Introduction and Goal Setting – The therapist reviews goals for the session.
Animal Interaction – Activities such as grooming, petting, or walking the animal.
Therapeutic Discussion – While interacting with the animal, clients talk about emotions or challenges.
Reflection – Therapist helps clients connect the experience with personal growth.
Closing – The session ends with relaxation and setting goals for next time.

How to Prepare for Animal Assisted Psychotherapy

Be Open-Minded – Approach the process with curiosity and willingness.
Wear Comfortable Clothing – Especially if working with larger animals like horses.
Share Any Concerns – Let the therapist know if you have allergies, fears, or past trauma related to animals.
Set Personal Goals – Think about what you want to work on (e.g., confidence, anxiety, communication).