Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)
Animal-Assisted Therapy in Frederick, MD
Therapy with a four-legged teammate
Sometimes having a furry friend by your side can make therapy feel a little easier.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) incorporates the human-animal bond into the therapeutic process to support connection, comfort, emotional regulation, and engagement in treatment. For some clients, working alongside a therapy dog can create a greater sense of safety and make it easier to relax, connect, and participate in therapy.
Animal-Assisted Therapy may be helpful for:
Reducing stress and anxiety
Supporting emotional regulation and mindfulness
Easing feelings of loneliness
Building connection, trust, and attachment
Supporting individuals processing trauma and PTSD
Increasing comfort and engagement in therapy
Practicing social skills and interpersonal connection
Increasing feelings of acceptance, comfort, and belonging
And more
Meet Riggins
Riggins is our therapy dog and an important member of the By Your Side team. He works alongside his handler, Ashley Saltzman, LCPC, NCC, and may be incorporated into therapy when clinically appropriate and when it feels like a good fit for the client.
Because AAT is a therapeutic intervention, clients must first complete an assessment with Ashley and receive approval before meeting Riggins or beginning Animal-Assisted Therapy. This helps ensure that incorporating Riggins is appropriate for the client’s individual needs, treatment goals, and comfort level.
The decision to include Riggins in counseling sessions is made at the therapist’s discretion, and his presence is not guaranteed at every session.
If you’re interested in exploring whether Animal-Assisted Therapy with Riggins could be a good fit for you or your child, please reach out to Ashley Saltzman, LCPC, NCC to learn more.
Providers at By Your Side Counseling Services, LLC who provide animal assisted counseling: