Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is the practice of using animals as therapeutic instruments to facilitate healing and rehabilitation. AAT's are approaches to mental health treatment that incorporate animals into the therapeutic process, emphasizing the bond between humans and animals. The use of animals in the therapeutic setting has shown to help people struggling with pain, anxiety, depression and social anxiety to name a few. And it’s not only the people with health problems who benefit. Family members and friends who sit in on animal visits often report feeling better too.
Local Experts in Animal-Assisted Therapy
I have a labradoodle who is currently in training with me as a Therapy dog. We are working towards certification and he is with me about 3 days/week. If you like dogs, you'll Love Rocky!
Certified Therapy Dog, Theodore Tater Tott III (a.k.a. Teddy Tater) is my co-therapist in all the work I do. Animal assisted therapy has been shown to release oxytocin (a happy brain chemical), regulate the nervous system, increase social connection, rebuild trust, and so much more.
I have a certification in animal-assisted therapy and a range of animals to work with: dogs, horses, pigs, and goats!
Animals bring a whole new dynamic to therapy. Working with animals within a therapeutic setting can provide insight to some of our most deeply held beliefs. Working with animals is very experiential and interactive in nature. I work with dogs, horses, and guinea pigs in animal-assisted therapy.
I practice several days a week with my co-therapist Tanner, a nine year old golden retriever. We have been registered with Denver Pet Partners as a therapy dog team for the past five years. Tanner loves working with a variety of clients, but is particularly adept at working with trauma, anxiety, and issues related to self-worth.
I am trained in animal-assisted therapy with my co-therapist, Coco the Australian Shepherd. I use animal-assisted interventions not just for love and snuggles (which are amazing) but to help both kids and adults with social skills, setting boundaries, processing trauma, reducing stress, and building confidence.