Animal Assisted Therapy

 

Animal Assisted Therapy


Animal Assisted Therapy support includes those facing struggles with:

  • Anxiety

  • Trauma

  • ADHD

  • Depression

  • and more!

Click the button to book your animal-assisted therapy session today!

What is Animal Assisted Therapy?

Animal Assisted Therapy involves the use of trained animals to support individuals in a therapeutic setting. These animals, guided by skilled professionals, help foster emotional, cognitive, social, and physical improvements.

From moments of calm offered by a therapy dog’s presence to increased focus inspired by working with an alpaca, the outcomes are as diverse as the individuals who take part in AAT.

The beauty of AAT lies in its flexibility. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve mobility, or feel more connected, therapy animals can support you at every stage of this restorative process.

Is Animal Assisted Therapy Right for You?

Each person’s experience with Animal Assisted Therapy is unique. Results can depend on personal circumstances and the animal involved.

At Two Roads, we have partnered with Roxy’s House to bring you Animal Assisted Therapy, bringing animals into your session with your mental health therapist.

Together, you can explore how AAT might complement your current treatment and support your personal health and wellness goals.

 

Key Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy

 

AAT offers benefits for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful ways animal-assisted therapy can make a difference:

Emotional Well-Being

  • Reduced Stress & Anxiety - Spending time with therapy animals can lower cortisol levels (stress hormones) and promote relaxation.

  • Improved Mood & Emotional Regulation - Interaction with therapy animals often releases endorphins, improving mood and helping individuals cope with everyday challenges.

  • Feelings of Comfort & Companionship - Therapy animals provide unconditional support, reducing feelings of loneliness and fostering a sense of comfort.

Social Skills

  • Enhanced Social Interaction & Communication - AAT fosters engagement, making it easier to connect with others during therapeutic processes.

  • Reduced Loneliness - Sharing time with therapy animals limits social isolation and creates opportunities for positive interactions.

  • Improved Trust & Empathy - Working with animals nurtures trust and empathy, teaching individuals to form healthier relationships.

Cognitive Function

  • Improved Focus & Attention - Structured activities with animals help enhance mental clarity and attentiveness.

  • Memory and Recall Boosts - Especially beneficial in individuals facing cognitive challenges, like dementia, as it helps reignite pathways to memory.

  • Reduced Confusion & Agitation - Therapy animals can create a calming environment for those feeling disoriented or restless.

Physical Health

  • Reduced Pain & Discomfort - Interaction with therapy animals has been known to distract the mind from chronic pain, providing relief.

  • Encouraged Physical Activity & Mobility - Activities like walking with a therapy dog or grooming a mini horse gently promote movement.

  • Improved Cardiovascular Health - Time with therapy animals can lower blood pressure and heart rate, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.

Other Benefits

  • Boosted Self-Esteem - Completing tasks alongside therapy animals can instill a sense of achievement and build confidence.

  • Enhanced Sense of Purpose - AAT fosters feelings of accomplishment and control, especially in those navigating difficult life circumstances.

  • Minimized Negative Behaviors - Interaction with therapy animals has been found to reduce aggression and foster positive behavior patterns.

 

Who Can Benefit from AAT?

 

Animal Assisted Therapy is inclusive and adaptable, benefiting individuals across a range of circumstances, including those managing:

  • Mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD)

  • Developmental disabilities (e.g., autism, Down syndrome)

  • Chronic illnesses (e.g., cancer, heart disease)

  • Geriatric conditions, including dementia

 

Animals Typically Used in AAT

 

Animal-assisted therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is the type of animal involved. Every animal used in a therapeutic environment is carefully trained to ensure they provide comfort and support safely. Some common therapy animals include:

  • Dogs - Friendly, loyal, and adaptable, dogs remain a classic choice for therapy.

  • Cats - Calm and comforting, perfect for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

  • Mini Horses - Gentle and engaging, often used for outdoor therapeutic activities.

  • Alpacas - Quirky and affectionate, alpacas are known for their soothing presence.

  • Pigs - Surprisingly social and intelligent, pigs bring a unique energy to therapy sessions.

 

Animal Assisted Therapy FAQs

  • It is covered by most health insurances.  If you’re unsure if your insurance covers it, please reach out to our billing department and they can assist you.  

  • It is for all ages!  Your therapist may recommend a parent or guardian being in the session depending on the age of the child.  

  • You can expect an intake session where your therapist will gather information and tailor a treatment plan based on your individual needs.  You will be introduced to the animals slowly for safety reasons and the animals will be incorporated into your sessions as appropriate and helpful.  

  • Animals are unpredictable at times.  Though we follow safety protocols and training in AAT, we can’t also guarantee that an animal won’t act unexpectedly.  If this happens, we will follow our safety procedures.  If you have any questions about these, please ask your therapist.  

Take the First Step Toward Wellness

You don’t have to face your mental health challenges alone. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, depression, or other mental health struggles, Two Roads Wellness Clinic® is here to guide you every step of the way.

Your health, your path, your wellness—our commitment.

Click the button to schedule an animal assisted therapy session or learn more about our services. Together, we can help you find the road to healing and a better quality of life.