Animal-Assisted Counseling · AAPT
Healing through
animal-assisted
counseling
"Animals offer what words sometimes cannot — presence, steadiness, and a connection that bypasses the need to explain."Book a Consultation
Evidence-informed, intentional counseling — delivered by a licensed clinician, with the animal as an active part of your treatment plan.
What Is AAPT?
More than a pet visit —
structured clinical counseling
Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy & Counseling (AAPT) is a form of mental health treatment that incorporates the presence and interaction of trained animals into the therapeutic process. It is delivered by a licensed mental health professional with additional training in working with animals in a clinical setting.
AAPT involves structured, goal-oriented interventions where the therapist uses the therapeutic relationship between the client, the animal, and the therapist to facilitate emotional, cognitive, social, or behavioral healing and growth.
Unlike casual interactions with pets, AAPT is evidence-informed, intentional, and aligned with your treatment goals. The animal is a purposeful participant — not a backdrop.
How It Works
The animal is part of the treatment plan
Assessment & Goal-Setting
The therapist conducts a traditional mental health intake and identifies whether animal-assisted approaches will support your specific needs and goals. Nothing is assumed — everything is tailored.
In-Session Activities
Animals may assist with emotion regulation, building trust and attachment (especially for trauma survivors), social skills development for children and teens, mindfulness and grounding, and narrative or metaphor work — all guided intentionally by your therapist.
Client–Animal Interaction
The animal acts as a co-regulator, mirror, or nonjudgmental presence. Activities may include grooming, walking, observing behavior, or simply being together. The therapist guides reflection and insight throughout.
Ethical Considerations
Only animals who are well-trained, temperamentally sound, and certified for therapy work are included in sessions. The wellbeing of both the client and the animal is prioritized at every stage.
Who This Is For
AAPT can benefit a wide range of individuals
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Anxiety, depression, or trauma
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Attachment or relational difficulties
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Social phobia or communication challenges
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Autism spectrum disorder or sensory integration challenges
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Grief and loss, including pet loss
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Low self-esteem or emotional dysregulation
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Children and adolescents who may struggle to engage with traditional talk therapy
"In AAPT, the animal is not incidental — they are a purposeful participant in the treatment plan, helping create change that words alone sometimes cannot reach."
The Gentle PawOur Animal Team
Curious who you'll be working with?
Where We Offer This Service
In-person sessions in Nyack & Stamford
Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy is an in-person service. We offer sessions at our Nyack, NY and Stamford, CT locations, where our certified therapy animals are available to participate in your care.
Insurance & Fees
Insurance accepted for Animal-Assisted Counseling (AAPT)
Many insurance plans cover Animal-Assisted Counseling (AAPT) sessions. Visit our Fees page for a full list of accepted plans, self-pay rates, and what to expect at your first visit.
Getting Started
Your path forward
Book a Consultation
Schedule a free consultation to talk through your goals and find out whether animal-assisted psychotherapy is the right approach for you.
Mental Health Intake
A thorough assessment to understand your history, presenting concerns, and whether animal-assisted approaches will meaningfully support your treatment goals.
Begin Sessions
In-person sessions at our Nyack, NY or Stamford, CT location — with the animal playing an active, intentional role in your treatment plan from the very first session.
Grow & Heal
Ongoing care tailored to your evolving needs, with regular reflection on your goals and the role the animal continues to play in your therapeutic journey.
Ready to Begin?
When the animal is part of
the treatment plan, healing shifts
Animal-Assisted Counseling (AAPT) is available in person at our Nyack, NY and Stamford, CT locations. Insurance accepted.