What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a planned, goal-directed therapeutic intervention in which animals are intentionally included within treatment sessions by a qualified professional.
At Willow Tree Therapy Services, Animal-Assisted Therapy will be used as part of our child-led, neurodiversity-affirming speech and language therapy when it is appropriate for an individual child’s strengths, interests and therapy goals. The animals will sometimes be simply present during sessions—and at other times they will be thoughtfully incorporated into activities that create meaningful opportunities for communication, connection, learning and participation.
Depending on your child’s interests and goals, therapy may include our alpacas, goats, rabbits, ducks, donkeys and dogs.
Children often communicate most naturally when they are engaged in activities that are meaningful and motivating to them. Feeding the goats, searching for eggs, brushing the donkeys or watching the ducks together can provide natural opportunities to develop communication, shared attention, language, problem-solving and relationship building through enjoyable, real-life experiences.
What does the research tell us?
Research into Animal-Assisted Therapy suggests that, for many children, incorporating animals into therapeutic intervention may:
- Increase motivation, engagement and participation.
- Encourage communication and shared attention.
- Support social interaction and relationship building.
- Promote confidence and independence.
- Reduce stress and anxiety for some individuals.
- Enhance emotional wellbeing and enjoyment during therapy.
As with all of our intervention, Animal-Assisted Therapy will be carefully considered for each individual child. Some children enjoy interacting with the animals, while others prefer different activities, and both preferences are equally respected.
Animal-Assisted Therapy – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Animal-Assisted Therapy the same as pet therapy?
No. Animal-Assisted Therapy is a planned, goal-directed therapeutic intervention in which interactions with animals are intentionally incorporated into speech and language therapy to support each child’s individual communication goals.
While sessions are often enjoyable, playful and relationship-based, every activity is carefully planned and guided by therapeutic aims. This differs from animal-assisted activities or informal visits with animals, where there are no individual therapy goals or treatment plans.
Is Animal-Assisted Therapy an additional service?
No. Animal-Assisted Therapy is not a separate service or an additional charge. It is one of the evidence-informed approaches that may be incorporated into speech and language therapy when it is appropriate for a child’s individual goals.
Will every child work with the animals?
No. Animals are one of the many therapeutic tools available at Willow Tree Therapy Services. Some children enjoy and benefit from interacting with them, while others may prefer indoor play, books, sensory activities, games, AAC or other therapy approaches. Therapy is always tailored to the individual child, their preferences and their communication profile.
