Animal assisted therapy uses trained animals and licensed clinicians to support emotional healing, reduce anxiety and build social skills. At Psychological Preventative Health, PLLC we integrate animals into treatment plans when that approach matches a client s goals, developmental stage and safety needs, most often through equine therapy and clinical sessions that pair conversation with experiential activity.
What is animal assisted therapy
Animal assisted therapy refers to structured therapeutic work in which a licensed mental health clinician collaborates with a trained animal to support measurable clinical goals. The animal is not a replacement for therapy. Instead, the presence of the animal becomes a tool that helps people practice coping skills, regulate emotion, access memories safely, improve interpersonal skills and build trust in the therapeutic relationship.
Animals commonly used in this work include horses, dogs and other domesticated species, depending on setting and goals. At our practice we offer equine therapy as part of a broader suite of mental health services, with clinicians who tailor each session to the client s needs and strengths.
Why it matters locally
In Ogden and the surrounding communities of Salt Lake, Ogden North and Logan, animal assisted therapy is relevant because of our access to outdoor spaces, a community interest in equine programs and a population that includes families, veterans and adolescents who may respond well to experiential approaches. For some people, working with an animal provides a nonverbal bridge to emotion, a sense of safety when words are hard to find and an opportunity to practice new patterns in a low judgement environment.
We emphasize prevention and resilience, so animal assisted therapy is often used alongside evidence informed treatments to reduce symptoms, improve functioning and prevent problems from becoming more severe.
Key concepts
- Therapist led. A licensed clinician designs and leads sessions, sets goals, and interprets how interactions with the animal relate to treatment objectives.
- Animals trained for therapeutic settings. Animals in clinical programs are selected and trained for predictable behavior, calm temperament and suitability for the client population.
- Goal oriented. Sessions target specific outcomes such as reducing social anxiety, processing trauma memories, improving emotional regulation or enhancing attachment behaviors.
- Safety and consent. Physical safety and emotional consent guide every interaction. Clinicians assess allergies, fear and cultural factors before including an animal.
- Integration with other treatments. Animal work complements individual therapy, family therapy, couples work or trauma focused treatments rather than replacing them.
How we structure animal assisted therapy sessions
We follow a clear clinical process so the animal s role supports therapeutic aims without introducing unnecessary risk.
- Assessment and goals. We begin with a standard clinical intake to identify symptoms, developmental considerations, relationship dynamics and measurable goals. That assessment determines whether animal assisted therapy is appropriate.
- Consent and preparation. For children and clients who need it, we prepare with psychoeducation, gradual exposure and clear behavioral guidelines. Caregivers are included when clinically helpful.
- Session design. Each session links experiential activity with clinical processing. For example, an equine exercise might be followed by reflection on boundaries, communication and emotion regulation.
- Safety checks and documentation. Clinicians document behavior, safety events and progress toward goals so we can adjust the plan as needed.
- Outcome review. Periodic reviews compare baseline measures with current functioning to determine clinical benefit and next steps.
Who benefits from animal assisted therapy
Animal assisted therapy can help a wide range of people when it fits their preferences and clinical needs. Common populations we work with include:
- Children and adolescents who have difficulty expressing emotion in talk therapy. We link to our children therapy services for developmental considerations.
- Veterans who experience trauma related symptoms or difficulty reconnecting. See our veteran therapy offering for tailored care.
- Individuals with anxiety or depression who benefit from grounding experiences and behavioral activation strategies included in mental health therapy.
- Couples and families who want experiential ways to practice communication and repair. We coordinate animal work with our couples therapy and family therapy approaches.
- People seeking strengths based, trauma sensitive care who value prevention and resilience focused planning. Our clinicians are trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy and other evidence informed methods.
Common questions and misconceptions
We answer the most common questions we hear from families and individuals so you can decide whether animal assisted therapy could help in your situation.
Pro tip: Animal assisted therapy is most effective when it is part of a clear treatment plan with measurable goals and a trained clinician leading the work.
Is animal assisted therapy just play with animals
No. While sessions can be engaging and include playful activity, each interaction is planned to support clinical goals. The animal provides feedback, grounding and a different context for practicing skills that are then processed with the clinician.
Is it safe
Safety is central. We screen for allergies, fear of animals, and any contraindications such as certain types of trauma reactions. Animals and sites meet standards for predictable behavior and hygiene. Clinicians supervise every interaction.
Will the animal fix trauma or deep rooted problems
Animals are a therapeutic tool, not a cure. They can facilitate access to emotion and support symptom reduction, but deeper or complex conditions usually require a course of evidence informed therapies integrated over time.
How animal assisted therapy fits into a treatment plan
We never isolate animal work from the broader clinical picture. Animal assisted therapy usually appears as a component of a multimodal plan that may include individual therapy, family sessions, skills coaching and trauma focused methods. Our clinicians document progress, adjust strategies and coordinate with other providers when appropriate.
For example, a teen with social anxiety may begin with individual skills work, add animal sessions to practice social engagement in a less threatening context, and then move to group social exposures if goals are met. A veteran with trauma symptoms might combine equine sessions for grounding with Accelerated Resolution Therapy for targeted memory processing.
Key considerations when choosing a program
- Credentials of clinicians. Ensure sessions are led by a licensed mental health professional who documents clinical goals and progress.
- Animal training and welfare. Look for programs that prioritize animal well being, predictable behavior and humane interaction standards.
- Assessment and measurement. Programs should begin with assessment and use outcome measures to track change.
- Integration with other care. The best programs coordinate with other therapies and adapt as the client makes progress.
Is animal assisted therapy appropriate for you or your child
- Comfort with animals and no significant allergies.
- Openness to experiential work alongside talk therapy.
- Clear clinical goals such as reducing anxiety, improving emotional regulation or practicing social skills.
- Access to a program with licensed clinicians and trained animals.
Comparison of common approaches
| Approach | Typical setting | Primary clinical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Equine therapy | Outdoor arena or pasture with a clinician and trained horses | Emotion regulation, trauma grounding, interpersonal boundaries and motor based learning |
| Canine assisted therapy | Clinic or community setting with therapy dogs | Social skills practice, anxiety reduction, motivation for engagement |
| Traditional talk therapy | Office or teletherapy | Cognitive processing, trauma work, long term psychotherapy |
Related services we provide
Animal assisted therapy is part of a broader continuum of care. If you are exploring experiential or integrative options, you may also find these pages helpful.
- Individual therapy for personalized planning and skills building
- Family therapy to address relational patterns and parenting strategies
- LGBTQ+ therapy for culturally responsive care
- Equine therapy specifics and what to expect at a session
Related locations we serve
We provide care for people living in and around Ogden and the greater Wasatch region. Services are designed for local families, veterans and individuals who prefer community based, experiential options alongside clinic based treatments. To explore other topics and services across our practice, see our topics and resources and our locations information.
Helpful resources and further reading
When evaluating programs, authoritative sources on animal welfare and professional standards are useful. Industry associations and university programs publish guidelines on animal training, handler safety and clinical integration. For information on evidence supported treatments that often accompany animal work, explore our evidence based therapies overview.
Key takeaway
Animal assisted therapy can be a powerful adjunct to conventional therapy when sessions are led by licensed clinicians, animal welfare is prioritized and clear clinical goals guide the work. In our practice we combine experiential approaches like equine therapy with evidence informed methods to support resilience and recovery.
Frequently asked questions
How do you decide if animal assisted therapy is right for a child
We begin with a clinical intake that assesses development, attachment patterns, sensory sensitivities and the child s ability to engage in structured activity. Caregivers are included as needed. If animal assisted therapy matches the goals and the child is comfortable, we proceed with a gradual introduction and clear safety rules.
Do you use equine therapy for adults
Yes. Equine therapy can benefit adults, including veterans, who need grounding, regulation and experiential ways to practice boundaries and communication. Sessions are adapted to adult learning and safety needs.
How long does it take to see results
Timing varies by condition and individual. Some clients report immediate reductions in anxiety during sessions. Meaningful clinical change is typically measured over several weeks to months, using standardized assessments and ongoing clinical review.
Are the animals part of therapy permanently
No. Animals serve a therapeutic purpose within sessions. Programs also consider animal welfare by limiting sessions per day, rotating animals and ensuring rest and appropriate care.
Learn more and check reviews
Read client reviews and get directions from our Google Business Profile, or explore related topics and service pages to learn how animal assisted therapy might fit into care for you or your family.
Find our Google Business Profile and related practice information