Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)


At 4thought psychology we understand the value of working with animals in therapeutic practice.  Animals have the potential to teach us a lot about ourselves; giving us non-threatening but guided opportunities to reflect on and work through our history, emotional state, cognitive functioning, presenting behaviours, relationship dynamics, attachment style, and social skills to name a few.  

​As a result of the remarkable and limitless insight that Animal Assisted Therapy provides, 4thought psychology house and are host to a few furry-friends. We at 4thought psychology would like to invite you to take full advantage of what these unique relationships can offer to you and your family's well-being.  
Here's Yazzy!
Yazzy is a therapist dog at 4thought. 
Our outdoor area for relaxing with a cuppa.

"Some people talk to animals, not
many listen. That's the problem" 
     ​                      - Winnie the Poo
Animal-assisted therapy sprouted from the idea and initial belief in the supernatural powers of animals and animal spirits. First appearing in the groupings of early hunter gatherer societies. In modern times animals are seen as "agents of socialization" and as providers of "social support and relaxation."

​Though animal assisted therapy is believed to have began in these early human periods it is undocumented and based on speculation. The earliest reported use of AAT for the mentally ill took place in the late 18th century at the York Retreat in England, led by William Tuke.  Patients at this facility were allowed to wander the grounds which contained a population of small domestic animals. These were believed to be effective tools for socialization. In 1860, the Bethlem Hospital in England followed the same trend and added animals to the ward, greatly influencing the morale of the patients living there.
Here's Teaspoon!
She's a Therapy dog at 4thought
Sigmund Freud kept many dogs and often had his chow Jofi present during his pioneering sessions of psychoanalysis. He noticed that the presence of the dog was helpful because the patient would find that their speech would not shock or disturb the dog and this reassured them and so encouraged them to relax and confide. This was most effective when the patient was a child or adolescent. The theory behind AAT is what is known as  Attachment theory.
Animal Assisted Therapy at its most basic, means including animals in therapeutic work with clients. Animals promote human well-being in many ways, so with the incorporation of animals in the therapeutic process clients are better able to develop their social skills; gain understanding regarding their peer and family dynamics; strengthen their attachments; understand and therefore  improve their behaviour; regulate their mood; and manage their anxiety.
Children also can receive positive benefits from Animal Assisted therapy in the class setting. ​

​Frieson (2010) conducted a study with children and therapy dogs in a class room setting and found that the animals provide a social and emotional support system for the child, with assumptions that because the animal seems non-judgmental to the child, it is perceived as comforting, raises the child's self-esteem and makes it easier for the child to express themselves.​