Trauma and the Power of Animal-Assisted Therapy
For survivors of trauma, the path to healing can be complex and deeply personal. Traditional therapies like talk therapy and EMDR can be incredibly effective, but some individuals struggle to open up, regulate their emotions, or feel safe enough to engage in the process. This is where Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) offers something uniquely powerful: a nonjudgmental, calming connection that goes beyond words.
What Is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) involves the intentional inclusion of animals—such as dogs, horses, cats, or even rabbits—into therapeutic settings. Guided by a licensed mental health professional, AAT is structured to help clients reach specific psychological or emotional goals.
This isn’t just about spending time with a
How Trauma Affects the Mind and Body
Trauma—whether from abuse, violence, neglect, combat, accidents, or loss—can leave deep imprints on the nervous system. Survivors often experience symptoms such as:
- Hypervigilance or a constant sense of danger
- Emotional numbness or dissociation
- Trouble with trust and relationships
- Anxiety, depression, or panic attacks
- Difficulty regulating emotions
Trauma doesn’t just live in the mind; it lives in the body. This is why healing often requires more than just talk—it requires safe, embodied experiences that help rewire the nervous system. Animals are uniquely suited to provide this kind of support.
Common Types of Animals in Therapy
Dogs
Cats, Rabbits, etc.
Horses
Calm, trained therapy dogs are often used in individual and group settings to provide comfort, grounding, and emotional support.
Horses
Cats, Rabbits, etc.
Horses
Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) is widely used for trauma and PTSD, especially among veterans, teens, and those with developmental or relational trauma.
Cats, Rabbits, etc.
Cats, Rabbits, etc.
Cats, Rabbits, etc.
Gentle, quiet animals can be especially soothing for individuals who are highly anxious or sensitive.
Who Can Benefit?
Animal-Assisted Therapy can be particularly effective for:
- Survivors of childhood abuse or neglect
- Individuals with PTSD (including veterans)
- Children in foster care or adoption settings
- Survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault
- Those with developmental trauma or complex PTSD
Integrating AAT with Other Therapies
Animal-assisted therapy often works best when integrated with other modalities like:
- EMDR: Animals can help ground clients before or after processing trauma.
- Somatic Therapy: Interacting with animals supports body awareness and nervous system regulation.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): AAT can increase emotional safety, making CBT more accessible.
EMDR & Animal-Assisted Therapy
We offer a unique, trauma-informed approach that combines EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with Animal-Assisted Therapy to support deep healing in a safe, grounded environment. EMDR helps reprocess and resolve painful memories, while the calming presence of a trained therapy animal provides emotional regulation, comfort, and connection throughout the process.
Whether you're working through trauma, anxiety, or attachment wounds, this integrated approach can ease emotional overwhelm and enhance your ability to heal. Our therapy animals are certified, gentle, and attuned to your needs—offering nonjudgmental support every step of the way.