Animal-Assisted Play Therapy-When Life is RUFF!

• •Identify ways that therapists can better serve clients by including animals in play therapy


• •Analyze directive and non-directive approaches to animals in play therapy


• •Explain how to integrate therapy animals in play therapy sessions to enhance non-verbal communication in client processing


• •Determine the best way to use live or stuffed animals in play therapy sessions for clients of all ages


• •Describe risks and safety needs when including animals in play therapy

Experiential Practice of Including Animals in Mental Health Services
Animal assisted play therapy is currently enjoying unprecedented acknowledgment and acceptance within the professional community, and a credential through the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy is now available. Research continues to validate the introduction of animals into the therapeutic setting. Promising results have been achieved with a variety of presenting diagnoses across all age groups.

Animal co–play therapists shed the light on areas we miss with our verbal skills in the therapy room. Step into that light and explore limits, compassion fatigue, trusting the process, and silence with hands on, play therapy based techniques utilizing live and/or stuffed animals. Discover the ethical, practical, and safety issues that surround working with animals in a clinical setting.