Animal Assisted Therapy

with Sandy Gafner

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is when an animal is used as a therapeutic tool to bring about changes in individuals. It is ‘tailor-made’ to suit the individual, dependent upon their needs or difficulties. For example it has been scientifically shown that the act of stroking an animal can help reduce blood pressure.

What is Animal Assisted Therapy?

Animal Assisted Therapy is all about promoting positive human-animal interactions through the use of animals in a therapeutic setting. The aim is to bring about a lasting change in the area which is causing most difficulties. In my case I use my cocker spaniel dog called Amber. 

Amber is a very loving and obedient dog but also one who can be quite excitable and fun. She loves people and will do almost anything for a treat! Having Amber in the room brings down barriers; she gives unconditional love and comfort to the client. Children and young people respond particularly well to animals in therapy because Amber is vulnerable, in need of care and needs to be kept safe. Through this, a can client learn how to care for and think of others. Sometimes the mere presence of an animal can be enough to ensure a child or young person feels more comfortable in what are unfamiliar surroundings of a therapy room.

If you think she may help you or someone you know then please read on about the potential benefits of us meeting.

Who can benefit from Animal Assisted Therapy?

This kind of therapy is beneficial for individuals who find it difficult to trust others. This is particularly true for some children and young people who may feel intimidated by adults but would benefit from spending one to one times with someone they feel they can trust. 
The fact there is an animal within the counselling setting can help take the focus away from the client and counsellor, yet bring up discussions around how and why caring for an other is important. The animal can help motivate clients through the experience of giving and receiving mutual respect and highlight area's on how we outwardly present ourselves for example.

Ways in which Animal Assisted Therapy can work for you:

This therapy works well for individuals with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties, attachment disorders as well as well as for those diagnosed with special needs. Areas of work can be around the following:

• Increasing confidence and self-esteem
• Helping with bullying Being sensitive to others needs
• Anger management
• Reduces stress and helps manage anxiety
• Helps establish and maintain trusting relationships
• Helps teach self control
• Increases motivation to interact with others
• Enables individuals to gain an understanding into their own past experiences
• Teaches that their own behaviour can affect those around them
• Bereavement, separation and loss
• Life story work, particularly adopted or fostered children & young people

However to ensure success it is vital that the individual has an interest in animals, specifically dogs and is not frightened by them. Amber has been purposefully trained for the use as a therapy dog since she came to live with me as a 10 week old puppy. She also has insurance as a therapy dog.

Call me now on 07944 559655
or email me at Connex Counselling
nicola@connexcounselling.co.uk

How much does it cost?

The first session is FREE of charge at Connex Counselling after which the prices here apply

Please note; This therapy is not suitable for individuals who are allergic or have a severe phobia of dogs.

I hold a certificate in Animal Assisted Therapy. I also hold professionally recognised qualifications in counselling and BSc Psychology.

I work within the BACP 'Ethical Framework for Good Practice'. I hold a current enhanced CRB certificate.

Sandy Gafner