Animal-Assisted Therapy in Sherwood Park & the Edmonton Area
Therapeutic support with an animal present — for those who benefit from that kind of connection.
What animal-assisted therapy is
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) integrates the presence of a trained animal — most commonly a dog — into structured therapeutic sessions. It's not a replacement for traditional therapy. It's an adjunct that can reduce anxiety, support engagement, and create a calmer therapeutic environment for people who respond well to animal contact.
At Vault, animal-assisted work is incorporated thoughtfully based on clinical fit, not as a default offering.
What it's used for
- Anxiety and stress reduction
- Trauma, particularly in children and adolescents
- Social anxiety and difficulty engaging in therapy
- Emotional regulation support
- Depression and isolation
- Building therapeutic rapport for clients who find traditional sessions difficult
What to expect
If animal-assisted therapy is a fit for your work, your psychologist will discuss it with you directly. Sessions are still structured and goal-directed — the animal's presence is used purposefully to support the work, not as the focus of it. Please mention any allergies or animal-related fears when booking.
Curious about animal-assisted therapy?
If you're curious about animal-assisted therapy and whether it's a fit for your goals, reach out to ask. We're happy to walk through what it looks like in practice.