Animal-assisted therapy thoughtfully includes contact with a trained animal alongside therapeutic conversation or activities. The animal can help create a calmer, more engaging environment and may offer a different way to explore trust, connection, emotions and communication. The therapist remains responsible for the therapeutic work and adapts sessions to the person's needs.
Therapeutic conversation or activities alongside a suitably trained animal, with welfare, consent and boundaries planned in advance.
May appeal where connection, engagement, confidence or emotional expression feel hard to approach through talking alone.
It is commonly in person. Online sessions cannot reproduce direct animal contact, and allergies, fears and animal welfare need consideration.
Research is developing and outcomes can depend on the setting, population and intervention. The animal complements rather than replaces therapy.