Animal assisted therapy
What is it?
Therapy assisted by animals is where an animal is involved throughout the therapeutic process to assist the treating clinician in working with an individual client or within a group setting to reach a specific treatment goal. The clinician is working within the scope of their training and at all times offering evidence-based and best practice therapeutic modalities.
Who is it for?
Therapy assisted by animals can be for suitable for a range of client populations and presentations. As the therapist is engaging the client in evidence-based and goal directed therapy activities, the animal becomes involved in the activity only where it is appropriate and beneficial to the client and their therapy goals. Involving animals in therapy can be a useful adjunct for certain client populations who find it difficult to engage in therapy activities without the presence of an appropriately trained animal.