Animal Assisted Services
Animal Assisted Therapy integrates the calming, nonjudgmental presence of animals into the counseling process to support emotional healing and connection. Dogs, in particular, can sense emotional shifts and respond with gentle, instinctive comfort—helping clients feel more at ease, open, and supported.
How Animals Help in Therapy
Build trust and safety. Animals offer a warm, nonjudgmental presence that encourages openness.
Trigger calming hormones. Interacting with dogs can increase serotonin, oxytocin, and prolactin, which promote relaxation and connection.
Ease conversation. They act as natural “icebreakers,” helping reduce tension and encourage engagement.
Who Benefits from AAT
Animal Assisted Therapy can be helpful for:
Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
Autism and ADHD (supporting social skills, emotional regulation, and communication)
Dementia or cognitive decline (aiding memory, expression, and engagement)
High-stress situations, for relaxation and morale boosts
Anyone who enjoys and feels comforted by animals
Benefits of Including Animals in Therapy
Physiological Stress Relief – Lowers cortisol, reduces blood pressure, and increases feel-good brain chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin.
Emotional Connection & Support – Animals create a safe, soothing presence and offer emotional reassurance without judgment.
Improved Mood & Reduced Loneliness – Encourages social connection, decreases feelings of isolation, and lifts mood.
What a Session Looks Like
When you arrive, you may be greeted by your clinician's animal assistant. Their quiet companionship creates a grounding, comforting atmosphere, making it easier to process thoughts and feelings at your own pace.