Animal Assisted Psychotherapy
Sometimes healing happens differently. Our Animal Assisted Psychotherapy program invites the natural bond between humans and animals into the therapeutic process — creating space for insight, emotional safety, and meaningful change.
What Is Animal Assisted Psychotherapy?
Animal Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP) is a goal-directed, structured form of therapy in which animals — as an integrated part of the treatment process — help clients meet specific therapeutic objectives. Unlike casual animal interactions or emotional support arrangements, AAP is conducted by a trained, licensed mental health professional who incorporates the human-animal relationship as a deliberate clinical tool.
At Lotus Counselling, our therapists use AAP to complement evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based interventions. The presence of an animal can shift the relational dynamic in session — reducing defences, lowering physiological stress responses, and inviting clients to engage with material they might otherwise avoid.
The benefits are not simply anecdotal. Research consistently shows that human-animal interaction lowers cortisol levels, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increases oxytocin — the neurochemical associated with trust and social bonding. For clients who find traditional talk therapy activating or difficult to access, AAP can provide a gentler, more embodied pathway into the therapeutic work.
Sessions take place either in-office (with Marvel and Jarvis, our certified therapy dogs) or at our partner equine facility (with Davina, our therapy horse). Both settings are calm, structured, and carefully held by your therapist throughout.
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Animal Assisted Psychotherapy is provided exclusively by registered, licensed mental health professionals. At Lotus, all AAP sessions are facilitated by therapists trained in both the clinical methodology and animal welfare standards.
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A therapy dog visit is a wellness activity. AAP is a clinical intervention. Your therapist will have identified goals for you, and the animal's presence is intentionally woven into session to support progress toward those goals.
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At this time, AAP sessions at Lotus are offered in-person only. Please contact our office to discuss scheduling, availability, and whether this modality is a good fit for you.
Animals create a uniquely honest relational space. They respond to our nervous systems, not our words — making them remarkable co-therapists for a range of mental health concerns.
How AAP Supports Healing
Nervous System Regulation
The rhythmic presence of an animal — a dog's breathing, a horse's movement — can help co-regulate an activated nervous system. Clients often report feeling calmer within minutes of being in the presence of our therapy animals.
Increased Therapeutic Engagement
Clients who may feel guarded or disconnected in traditional sessions often open more freely when an animal is present. The animal acts as a social bridge, creating warmth and psychological safety in the room.
Mindfulness & Presence
Animals exist entirely in the present moment. Their engagement naturally draws clients into a more grounded, embodied state — supporting mindfulness practice in a way that feels organic rather than effortful.
Reduced Anxiety & Depression
Research demonstrates that interaction with animals elevates oxytocin and serotonin while decreasing cortisol. Over time, regular AAP sessions can meaningfully reduce the physiological markers of both anxiety and depression.
Trauma-Informed Connection
For trauma survivors, trust is hard-won. Animals offer nonjudgmental, consistent presence — a form of connection that doesn't carry the complexity or historical weight of human relationships. This can be profoundly reparative.
Skill Building & Insight
Working with a therapy animal — learning to read their signals, respond to their needs, manage your own reactions — can mirror real-life relational challenges and provide rich material for therapeutic reflection and growth.
Animals create a uniquely honest relational space. They respond to our nervous systems, not our words — making them remarkable co-therapists for a range of mental health concerns.
What to Expect
#1 Initial Consultation
We begin with a conversation about your history, goals, and whether AAP is a clinically appropriate fit. Not every modality is right for everyone — your therapist will assess this carefully and honestly.
#2 Meet Your Animal Partner
Before beginning sessions, you'll have the opportunity to meet Marvel, Jarvis, or Davina in a relaxed, low-pressure introduction. This helps establish comfort and allows your therapist to observe your initial relational responses.
#3 Goal-Directed Sessions
Each session is shaped by your treatment plan. Your therapist will guide activities and observations involving the animal that are purposefully linked to your therapeutic goals — not simply time spent with a pet.
#4 Reflection & Integration
The latter portion of each session is devoted to processing what emerged. Your therapist will help you draw connections between your experience with the animal and the patterns, beliefs, and relational dynamics you're working on.
Meet the Team
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Marvel
Certified Animal Assisted Therapy Partner | In-Office Sessions
Marvel is a gentle, intuitive therapy dog who has a remarkable ability to sense the emotional atmosphere in a room. Whether a client is anxious, tearful, or guarded, Marvel responds with quiet, steady presence — never intrusive, always available. He has a particular gift for sitting close to clients who need physical warmth and contact, offering a form of comfort that words cannot always reach.Marvel participates in individual therapy sessions and has been particularly effective with clients working through anxiety, attachment difficulties, and relational trauma. His calm temperament and consistent responses make him an excellent co-regulator in moments of heightened emotion.
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Jarvis
Certified Animal Assisted Therapy Partner | In-Office Sessions
Jarvis brings a different energy to the room — playful and expressive, he has a natural ability to disarm clients who carry heavy self-criticism or social anxiety. His enthusiasm is contagious, but he reads the room well; he knows when to be exuberant and when to settle quietly at someone's feet.Jarvis has been especially valuable in sessions focused on perfectionism, low self-worth, and depression. His unconditional positive regard — offered freely and without condition — can be a powerful experience for clients who struggle to believe they are worthy of care. He frequently reminds clients that connection can be simple, immediate, and unearned.
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Davina
EAP Partner | Offsite Sessions at Partner Equine Facility
Davina is our therapy horse and the heart of our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy offering. Horses are uniquely suited to therapeutic work because of their extraordinary sensitivity to human emotion and nervous system states. Davina does not respond to what you say — she responds to how you feel. She will mirror tension, calm when you calm, and reflect patterns that even the most insightful clients may not have noticed in themselves.
Working with Davina is a somatic, embodied experience. Clients learn to regulate their own internal state in order to build trust with her — a process that directly translates to self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relational skills. Sessions with Davina take place at our partner equine facility in a safe, natural environment, facilitated by your Lotus therapist throughout.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is particularly powerful for clients working through trauma, trust challenges, boundary-setting, and leadership of self. No prior experience with horses is required — Davina meets every client exactly where they are.
Who Benefits from AAP?
Animal Assisted Psychotherapy can be a powerful complement to traditional therapy for a wide range of concerns and client profiles.
Adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, or panic
Clients working through trauma, PTSD, or adverse childhood experiences
Those who find talk therapy difficult to access or emotionally activating
Individuals struggling with attachment, trust, or relational patterns
Clients dealing with burnout, chronic stress, or emotional numbness
People who are drawn to nature-based or somatic approaches to healing
Those who have a meaningful connection to animals and want to integrate that into their therapeutic work
A Note on Allergies & Animal Comfort
We take both human and animal welfare seriously. If you have animal allergies or a fear of dogs or horses, please let us know during your initial consultation. We will always prioritize your comfort and physical safety, and will explore whether adaptations or alternative modalities are appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or call our office at 289-895-8906
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Not at all. No prior experience with dogs or horses is necessary. Your therapist will guide you through every step, and all interactions with our animals are voluntary and paced at your comfort level.
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Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions with Davina take place at our partner equine facility. Sessions occur in a managed, safe environment — typically in or near the barn and paddock area. Please dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.
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Yes. Many clients engage in AAP as an adjunctive service alongside their regular individual therapy, either with a Lotus therapist or an outside provider. We are happy to collaborate with your existing care team.
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Coverage depends on your individual plan and the designation of your therapist. Psychotherapy provided by a registered professional may be covered under extended health benefits. We recommend contacting your insurer directly. Our office can provide receipts and support documentation as needed.
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Standard sessions are 50–60 minutes. Equine sessions with Davina may run slightly longer to account for travel between the facility and session space. Your therapist will discuss timing during your initial consultation.
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This is completely normal, and your therapist will never push you beyond your comfort zone. Often, some initial nervousness is itself therapeutically useful material. Your safety and autonomy are always the priority.