What is Animal Assisted Therapy?
Animal Assisted Therapy is a therapeutic intervention where a carefully trained and tested animal is used by a licensed professional to help an individual achieve their therapeutic goals. The animal provides comfort, helps the client relax, aids in communication, and assists with activities to teach an individual coping skills including anger management, enhanced social skills, assertiveness, and impulse control. Evidence shows that AAT is especially helpful in treating children and adults who are afflicted with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, low self esteem, and Attachment Disorder. Animals naturally provide unconditional love and acceptance. Working with an animal/therapist team is a fun and relaxing form of counseling.
