Animal-Assisted Therapy in Edmonton & St. Albert
What Is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is one approach in animal-assisted interventions where an animal is part of the therapeutic process. Studies on AAT have shown that having an animal as part of the therapeutic treatment plan can over several benefits and can improve therapy outcomes. Animals provide us with the ability to co-regulation and build social connections with a trusting, supportive figure that provides us with unconditional positive regard. Our therapy dogs have extensive training, as do our therapists. Just like any other therapeutic model, we believe that being trained in Animal-assisted therapy is non-negotiable before engaging in Animal-assisted therapy with clients. AAT can be beneficial for children, adolescents, teens, adults and group therapy.
What Can Animal-Assisted Therapy Help With?
Trauma (including physical, sexual or emotional abuse and domestic violence)
Work-Life Balance
Motivation
Minnie is a Pomeranian who works as a co-therapist with Daniella Thursday and Fridays. She is our photogenic Diva
Soup is a Bernese Mountain Dog who alternates weeks with Chilli as Sarah’s co-therapists at the Downtown location
Our newest addition to the team, Chilli Alternates with Soup as co-therapists with Sarah
Hudson is a bernedoodle who works at our St.Albert location with clinician Desiree, he is taking a temporary leave at this time.
Hagrid is a golden-doodle. This gentle giant works with Madison on Mondays and Wednesdays at our St.Albert Location.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Working with horses can be an incredibly healing experience. We have partnered with Riverfront Equestrian Centre in SW Edmonton to be able to provide this service to our clients. We feel so honoured to have found an equine partner that aligns with our values around mental health and understands the healing power of horses. For more information about our horse team or Riverfront click here.
Summit Counselling Therapists Who Specialize in Animal-Assisted Therapy:
Edmonton and St.Albert Registered Provisional Psychologist
St. Albert Registered Provisional Psychologist
Edmonton Registered Provisional Psychologist
Coming Soon!
Animal Assisted Therapy sessions with Desiree and Hudson are temporarily on hold.
To learn more about our team members, click here.
To book online with one of our therapists, click on the name listed above. We respect that some people are not comfortable around dogs or are allergic. We only bring dogs into session for those who are interested on specific days of the week. Please reach out to our admin team or our psychologists directly if you are interested in booking a session on a day that one of our therapy dogs is in the office.
Summit Counselling Services is a counselling clinic located in Leduc, St. Albert & Edmonton. We provide clinical services to children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples, and families. We have a talented team of Edmonton psychologists, therapists and counsellors with a wide range of specializations and trainings at Summit Counselling Services who would be honoured to walk beside you on your journey. At Summit, we believe in therapy your way. Our goal is to customize your psychotherapy and counselling sessions to best suit your needs. We believe in the differences and unique perspectives each person brings to therapy and incorporate these into our work with you.