Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal assisted therapy (AAT) is the use of trained therapy pets in treatment by a licensed clinician. AAT is purposeful, goal directed, and documented.
Clinicians often use AAT because it is highly motivating and promotes a safe environment. Animals are nonjudgmental and engaging which elicits improved concentration, attention, and learning.
Goals for integrating animal assisted therapy may include:
- Building trust between the client and therapist
- Social interaction
- Identifying and verbalizing feelings and emotions
- Auditory comprehension
- Verbal Expression
- Improving cognition such as attention and memory
- Learning new concepts
- Reading
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Activities of daily living
- Exercise and healthy habits