About Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)

Animal-Assisted Therapy incorporates trained animals into the therapeutic process to support emotional healing and growth. While our network of AAT practitioners is growing, you can explore therapists who use creative and experiential approaches.

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Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a goal-directed intervention that intentionally incorporates animals into the therapeutic process. Working alongside a trained therapy animal, clients may experience reduced anxiety, increased comfort, and unique opportunities for emotional connection and learning. AAT is used for various concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, and social difficulties.

The presence of animals can create a sense of safety and non-judgment that supports therapeutic work. If you're interested in experiential approaches, you can explore therapists on First Session who offer experiential therapy, nature-oriented therapy, or creative therapeutic approaches.

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What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy that incorporates trained animals, most commonly dogs or horses, into treatment. Unlike casual pet interactions, AAT is a formal therapeutic intervention with specific goals, conducted by trained professionals. The animal becomes a tool for achieving therapeutic objectives, whether that's building trust, practicing social skills, processing emotions, or reducing anxiety.

What are the benefits of AAT?

AAT may offer unique benefits including reduced anxiety and stress in sessions, increased engagement and motivation, opportunities for non-verbal connection, and a sense of unconditional acceptance from the animal. Many people find it easier to open up in the presence of an animal. AAT can help with emotional regulation, social skills, self-esteem, and processing difficult experiences in a gentler way.

Who might benefit from AAT?

AAT may be particularly helpful for children and adolescents, people with anxiety or social difficulties, those who have experienced trauma, and anyone who connects well with animals. It can also benefit people who find traditional talk therapy challenging or who prefer experiential approaches. AAT is used with various populations and for many different therapeutic goals.

How do I find an AAT therapist?

AAT requires specialized training and appropriate therapy animals, so availability can be limited. While our network of AAT practitioners is growing, you can explore therapists on First Session who offer experiential or nature-based approaches. Equine-assisted therapy is one form of AAT that may be more available. Ask potential therapists about their experience with experiential methods.

Are there related approaches I could explore?

Experiential therapy uses activities and experiences for healing. Nature-oriented therapy incorporates the natural world into treatment. Play therapy offers experiential approaches especially for children. Art therapy provides another creative, non-verbal therapeutic avenue.

How can First Session help me find experiential support?

First Session helps you find therapists who offer creative and experiential approaches. Watch intro videos to learn about each therapist's unique methods, filter by specialty areas, and book directly online. Many therapists offer free consultations where you can discuss what type of therapeutic experience might work best for you.