Animal Assisted Therapy incorporates animals into your treatment plan. The inclusion of animals into mental health treatment can benefit many people of varying ages. Generally, the types of animals used in AAT include dogs, horses, and cats. But counselors can incorporate other animals into treatment if they’re trained and handled correctly. These animals include rabbits, lizards, fish, or turtles.
For some people, the mere presence of an animal is comforting, allowing them to open up and engage in conversation with their therapist more fully. Regardless of your situation, the presence of an animal may provide consolation during difficult conversations.
If you’re interested, ask your therapist if Animal Assisted Therapy is something you could incorporate into your sessions.
Therapists Who Specialize in Using Animal Assisted Therapy
We are an ever growing practice of marriage and family therapists and mental health clinicians (and golden retrievers) that work a hybrid model of in the office and virtually. By accepting most insurance we hope to make counseling as accessible as possible for those in need.
Hello there. I am a compassionate advocate for mental health, the LGBTQIA+ community, and substance abuse. I am a member of the world professional association for transgender health (WPATH). I am licensed with the State of Iowa and Nebraska. Through my experience I have worked with teenagers, adults, and couples. My specialty populations include LGBTQIA+, gender and sexuality, stress, anxiety,…
Courtney is passionate about providing meaningful support and services to everyone she works with. She takes pride in being compassionate, personable, approachable, and culturally sensitive. With an eclectic therapy approach, she strives to create a safe environment emphasizing partnership with her clients in working through current struggles whether that be depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar or…
Difficult life events may feel like they consume our existence; however, there is hope. I have seen the incredible resiliency of people as I have helped clients overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional obstacles. I truly believe that you too will be able to get through this with guided support. My unique path in life and therapeutic training has led me to specialize in working…
Rhonda Griffin, LPC has been a counselor for 23 years. She has a master's in Applied Behavioral Science from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. She has taught counseling and supervised intern graduate students. Rhonda engages easily with compassion and a warm sense of humor. A harmonious blend of west coast perspective with Texan common sense. She brings practical skills and knowledge to...
How can you help your child through a big life transition or challenge? Trauma, grief and loss, family dynamics and other life transitions can impact how we think about ourselves, what we feel and how we show these thoughts and feelings, impacting behaviors at home and at school. Animals, including our resident Therapy Dog, Chazz, can provide a safe place for the therapy to begin and help clien...
I enjoy working with clients of all ages towards their therapeutic goals. After years of experience, I am still in awe of the way clients are able to overcome trauma and hardship. I feel fortunate to be a part of the process of healing as clients use and build their strengths through challenging times. I have experience helping children and families in a plethora of family set ups such as...
"Maybe today is the day you take the next step to address any of the challenges you are facing." My greatest passion is to help individuals overcome any barriers in life that would prevent them from experiencing or from having a fulfilling life. I help clients, who include adolescents, families, and couples uncover strengths and learn new skills to take on any challenges in life. Given individu...
My goal is to create a safe environment for clients to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Collaboratively we work to identify your strengths, discover insights, identify and move toward your goals. I focus on empowering clients to help them make positive changes to lead healthier lives. I believe an important goal of counseling is to help clients rediscover meaning, joy, and purpose in...
I believe all clients hold the key to their own success and can be guided to that end in a safe, trusting, honest environment. Building relationship and skills for growth, understanding and healing are among my goals in therapy. My personal journey through adoption, trauma, abuse, raising a child with mental health concerns, spiritual enlightenment, natural mental health, divorce, and remarriag...
An integrative and holistic approach to change, healing, and future growth. Assessing your own being, needs, and internal control while promoting health in the mind-body-and soul. Therapy can heal relationships in your personal and professional worlds. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, communication skills, grief, infertility, eating disorders, etc., you do not have to strugg...
Have you ever wondered why you are so anxious, sad, worried, angry, or how to stop these emotions from affecting your life and your relationships? If you answered "yes" then let's talk. I have worked for over 25 years with individuals who are suffering from depression and anxiety. Don't be afraid to embrace how great you are. Change starts with just one action and you have what it takes to chan...
Using Energy Psychology, a mind-body approach to problem solving and healing, empowers clients!! Energy Psychology methods such as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) work quickly to treat emotional problems, facilitate well being and improve performance. I am a counselor and educator helping children, families and adults in a nurturing...
I believe that warmth, understanding and compassion are the key to any successful and supportive therapeutic relationship and these qualities are the foundation of my practice. I have been providing counseling services to individuals, couples and families for a number of years in a variety of settings and one thing has always been the same; I learn something new from each and every client and t...
Are you an animal lover? If a four-legged co-therapist sounds good, then you will love our center. The office is located on a beautiful ranch where animals abound. You can choose to talk in the office with a dog at your feet, a cat in your lap, or just enjoy the view of the horse pasture from the window. If walking and talking is easier, we can stroll the grounds, sit by the duck pond, or pet...
