Animal-Assisted Therapy
Individuals | All Ages | In-person | Chapel Hill
Animal-assisted therapy incorporates trained therapy animals into the clinical process. The presence of an animal can reduce anxiety, lower heart rate, and create a sense of safety that makes it easier to open up — especially for those who have difficulty with traditional talk therapy.
This is not "pet therapy." It is a clinically guided approach where the animal serves as a purposeful therapeutic tool alongside a licensed clinician.
This may be a good fit if you…
Struggle to open up verbally in sessions
Are managing trauma, PTSD, or severe anxiety
Feel stuck or disconnected in traditional therapy
Are a child or teen who feels guarded in therapy
Have a strong bond with animals in your own life
Are working on trust and relationship skills
What a session might look like
A therapy animal is present in the session room. Your clinician guides the interaction — which might include simply being near the animal, caring for it, or using it as a focal point for discussion. Animals are always well-trained, comfortable, and never forced to interact.