Evolving Minds Counselling
and Psychology
Animal Assisted Therapy
At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors provide Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) for children, adolescents and adults across the Sutherland Shire and Sydney. Sessions are available in person at our Menai practice with Charmaine, our trained Animal Assisted Therapy clinician, and Sebastian, our certified therapy dog.
What is Animal Assisted Therapy?
Animal Assisted Therapy (also called Animal Assisted Psychotherapy) is an evidence-based approach that intentionally incorporates a therapy dog into clinician-guided sessions. The presence of a therapy dog can support emotional regulation, reduce physiological signs of stress, and help create a sense of safety within therapy.
For some people, traditional talk-based therapy can feel difficult to engage with. Animal Assisted Therapy provides an alternative way to support connection, engagement and participation in therapy. Sessions are still structured and clinician-led.
What does Animal Assisted Therapy help with?
Animal Assisted Therapy can be helpful for people experiencing:
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difficulty engaging in traditional therapy
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low motivation or withdrawal
This approach can also be adapted across different stages of life. It is often used with children, adolescents, and older adults where comfort, connection and moments of calm can support the therapy.
Animal Assisted Therapy in the Sutherland Shire
Animal Assisted Therapy is offered at our Menai practice, working with people across the Sutherland Shire and broader Sydney, including Miranda, Caringbah, Engadine, Sutherland and surrounding suburbs.
Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments across Australia.
You can meet Sebastian on our team page.
If you’re unsure whether Animal Assisted Therapy is suitable, our Client Care Team can assist. Call 02 8519 4197 or use the button below to request an appointment.