Animal Assisted Psychotherapy
*coming soon*
Human-animal bond is like no other in a healing setting.
We understand the intense demands placed on first responders and military personnel. The experiences you face can create stress, anxiety, and trauma that are not always easy to express or process. That’s why we offer Animal Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP) — a unique therapeutic approach that harnesses the powerful bond between humans and animals to promote healing, connection, and emotional resilience.
What is Animal Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP)?
Animal Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP) is the integration of specially trained animals into traditional counseling sessions. Unlike general Animal Assisted Therapy (Pet Therapy) — which typically serves an emotional support role in settings like hospitals or schools — AAP actively involves animals in therapeutic interventions. This means that animals become part of the healing process itself, helping to unlock deeper emotional work and promote connection in ways that conventional therapy alone sometimes cannot reach.
For first responders and military personnel, who often face barriers to vulnerability and trust, the presence of an animal can ease defenses and create a bridge to healing.
How Does it Work?
During AAP sessions, specially trained therapy animals work alongside our licensed clinicians to support your therapeutic goals. These animals are carefully selected and trained to sense emotional shifts, respond to distress, and provide grounding and comfort during difficult moments.
The human-animal bond allows for:
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Increased Engagement: The presence of an animal promotes a sense of safety and comfort, helping clients stay present and engaged in therapy (Flynn et al., 2020; Barnhart et al., 2020).
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Enhanced Emotional Processing: Many clients find it easier to express difficult emotions when an animal is present — acting as both a calming influence and a bridge to deeper reflection.
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Trust and Connection Building: For those accustomed to high-alert environments, animals can help rebuild trust and emotional connection in a non-judgmental space.
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Reduced Anxiety and Grounding: The tactile experience of petting or interacting with an animal has been shown to lower anxiety and promote physical and emotional regulation.
Benefits of AAP:
Research shows that AAP not only increases engagement in therapy but also accelerates progress in areas such as:
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Self-regulation
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Self-awareness
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Self-worth
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Bonding and trust
Furthermore, AAP has been associated with lower dropout rates compared to conventional psychotherapy (Seeger et al., 2024). This means more consistent support and better long-term outcomes for those who serve.