Animal-Assisted Counseling
is a type of counseling that involves animals as a part of the treatment plan. The overall goal is to improve a client’s social and emotional functioning by way of interacting with the animal under the facilitation of a Licensed Professional Counselor during their therapy sessions. AAC is appropriate for most clients ages 10 and up.
Animal-Assisted Play Therapy is a type of counseling that involves animals as a part of the treatment plan. The overall goal is to improve a client’s social and emotional functioning by way of interacting with the animal under the facilitation of a Licensed Professional Counselor during their therapy sessions. AAC is appropriate for most clients ages 10 and up.
Animal-Assisted Play Therapy is designed for children to receive social and emotional benefits from having an animal involved in their play therapy sessions. AAPT may include but is not limited to your child teaching the animal new commands and skills, use of the dog to create empathy, understanding while improving social skills, having the dog engage in common therapy games and play activities with your child.
In both AAC and AAPT settings animals can provide comfort and support in a non-judgmental manner. They can add joy and a playful attitude to any session. Animals can help clients develop empathy, experience unconditional acceptance, and open-up about challenging life experiences. Working with animals can also contribute to physiological benefits, such as decreased heart rates and blood pressure, which add to a person’s overall health and well-being.
Animal-Assistants at Olive Branch
At Olive Branch, Gertie is our canine assistant. Gertie is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who works with Melanie Lawson. As a team they attended 120hrs of training and supervision at Texas State University’s Animal-Assisted Counseling & Play Therapy Program. Any clients interested in working with Gertie and Melanie will be taught how to properly greet Gertie and understand her non-verbal communication and basic verbal communication. It is their goal for everyone working with Gertie to have a positive experience.
Any client interested in AAC or AAPT will need to make a request through the client care coordinator to see if there is any availability.
AAC and AAPT appointments are available:
Will vary depending on the clinician’s current schedule.