Child Therapy

At AATPC, we integrate our therapy animals into the play therapy process. Animals provide a unique connection for clients, one that immediately helps the child feel comfortable and at ease. This helps the therapist connect with the child more quickly. There are several ways that animals enrich the therapy environment.

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• Many children naturally feel comfortable with animals. This makes the counseling process more positive and enjoyable.

• Children feel as though the animal accepts and understands them in ways that adults might not.

• Research has found that therapists seem more approachable when there is an animal in the room.

• Each of our therapy animals have been rescued and have their own stories. Some children relate directly to the animals’ stories. In allowing the teen to help the animal, we can highlight themes in the teen’s life.

• We can develop creative and fun interventions with the animals that help focus on the child’s issues without having to directly confront the child.

• Because children can address issues faster when animals are present, therapy takes less time and is, therefore, more effective.

• Animal Assisted Psychotherapy is particularly effective for children with sensory, personal boundary, attachment, relationship, and sexual behavior problems.

 

During your initial session, the therapist will gather information from parents, evaluate your child, and start to develop a treatment plan specifically designed for your child. We believe that effective therapy is based on a strong, trusting, and comfortable relationship between the child, their family, and the therapy team.

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To learn more about how one of our Professional Therapy Teams can help, or to schedule a consultation, you can contact us at: 720-266-4444, or send us a confidential email. We look forward to working with you.