Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)

My training is in Human-Animal-Environment Interaction in Social Work. This includes training on how the human-animal bond can assist in healing, learning life skills, and developing secure attachments.

Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist

If we are fortunate enough to work together in person, I have a Standard Cockapoo therapy dog who attends all of my sessions (when the client wants the animal in the room). Denali was trained as a puppy to work with my clients either at their feet, next to them or on their lap. He is hypo-allergenic and does not shed. Many a client has found comfort and companionship with Denali.

I utilize Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Interventions. During COVID-19, since I am seeing clients entirely through telehealth, I welcome your pets into session to help you cope. I also use many metaphors involving the animal world to help you see different perspectives. When it is again safe to return to in-person sessions, my animals (golden retriever and kenyan sandboas) look forward to greeting you.

I offer Animal Assisted Play Therapy to children to help with a variety of issues, including low self esteem, depression, anxiety, attention and learning difficulties, and poor social skills, to name a few. It primarily focuses on the child's strengths while also addressing his or her life challenges. While all of my therapy during the Covid-19 crisis is provided online, this particular form of therapy needs to be done in the office. I will resume offering it once it is safe to do so.

For the past 9 years I have incorporated pet therapy in my practice with the help of my yellow lab, Jolie. Pet therapy has been shown to reduce stress, increase rapport and help clients become more cognizant of emotional reactions and support resiliency in individual and group sessions. Jolie is certified as a Canine Good Citizen. She is calm, kind and very loving but if you are allergic or prefer for her to not be part of your session we can discuss those options.

For the past 9 years I have incorporated pet therapy in my practice with the help of my yellow lab, Jolie. Pet therapy has been shown to reduce stress, increase rapport and help clients become more cognizant of emotional reactions and support resiliency in individual and group sessions. Jolie is certified as a Canine Good Citizen. She is calm, kind and very loving but if you are allergic or prefer for her to not be part of your session we can discuss those options.

I utilize AAT during in person sessions with my border collie in order to help enhance my client's treatment plans and to help with the comfort and nurturing during sessions.

The Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a health intervention, meant to improve physical, social, emotional or cognitive functioning, with animals as integral part of the treatment [1]. The therapeutic use of animals was argued for decades and many associations employ this intervention in order to improve care. At our various locations we will interact with goats, chicken, pigs, dogs and cats in a therapeutic way.

Sometimes we need a little extra comfort during a therapy session and Bernie is just the helper you need. Bernie is a Dogue De Bordeaux (French Mastiff) and is a gentle giant who will comfort you when you need it or sleep (sometimes snoring) in his bed when he's not. Bernie is dually trained as my personal Allergen Alert Service Dog and as your Therapy Dog (while he is in the office helping clients).

When utilizing in-person therapy, I work closely with my therapy dog, Koda, to help individuals feel safe and connected during the therapy process. Animal assisted therapy can also be extremely helpful in helping a person stay grounded when going through emotionally charged topics that are often brought up in the therapy session.

I am the founder of the American Association of Animal-Assisted Therapy and love working with my dogs.

I have a 5 year old Weimarainer that accompanies me to work. He is trained as a Therapy Animal with Pets for Life. He is also trained as a Certified Service Dog with Canine Speciality Training, LLC. He has been working with me for over 3 years. He spent over a year working with me at CAPA (Child Abuse Prevention Agency) in Independence, MO, before coming with me into private practice. Come in and say "hi" to Fynn anytime! He will welcome you with lots of kisses.

Coming Soon for In-Person sessions. Shelby is my Goldendoodle who is has worked with children and adults in therapeutic interventions in the past. Due to Covid, she has had to take a hiatus however will be returning to her work in therapy soon!

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) incorporates the presence of animals into therapy as an added source of connection and healing. The non-judging acceptance and affection of a therapy animal offers a profoundly restorative experience of love and understanding that can deepen and at times transcend the cerebral process of talk therapy.

My in-person office has therapy cats. The comfort of an animal can provide warmth and support. Sometimes it is easier to open up in their presence or just seek comfort from them. They may be able to join us in session upon request and availability.