Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Animal Assisted Therapy

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Through the media, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder has become quite well known.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or as it's commonly known, OCD is a common anxiety disorder in which a person feels fear, worry, apprehension and other intrusive thoughts. Most people diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder report childhood onset of symptoms, which could lead to a range of ongoing anxiety disorders.

It is common for the person to perform repetitive behaviors that are meant to reduce anxiety. A person can develop a range of compulsions or obsessions. Someone who has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder will repeatedly check on things (such as locking doors, switching off lights, etc.), obsessively wash their hands or clean their homes excessively.

In some cases, a person might become preoccupied with religious, violent or sexual thoughts, or have relationship-based obsession. They may become averse to certain words or numbers and perform nervous rituals, such as performing a certain routine repeatedly.

To other people, a person with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder might seem paranoid. It could cause stress in a relationship or family, and could lead to severe financial or emotional distress. Since most people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder recognize their behavior as irrational, it can cause them even more distress.

Cognitive Behavioural therapy offers a range of techniques to assist people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. A specific technique used in OCD is exposure and response prevention (ERP). This technique teaches a person with OCD to gradually learn to tolerate the anxieties caused by not continuing the rituals. Counsellors perform this and other therapies in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers Obsessive Compulsive Disorder  to help with your repetitive, compulsive behaviour issues you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy uses animals, and dogs in particular, to improve cognitive and emotional functioning. Animals help to build a report between the therapist and the patient, and can include domesticated pets and farm animals.

During the first stages of animal-assisted therapy, the therapist will assess the client's needs without animals present. The animal is only introduced once the therapist has developed a treatment plan.

The next stage involves a bond being developed between the client and the animal through motor skills. The animals are used to motivate the client, and to create positive interactions that can be translated into human interaction.

The therapist will monitor improvement and once a positive interaction is established between the client and the animal, the client is given independence in making choices for their partner in Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) therapy.

If you are looking for a counsellor who offers Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Ferma Ravn

M.S.W., RSW
Are you a parent who is concerned about your child or adolecent's mental and/or emotional health?  I am able to provide both in-person and online play therapy for children, as well as in person and and... Read more

Amber Lowdermilk

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that you are the expert of your own story and my role is to provide a comfortable space for you to unpack whatever is getting in the way of your day-to-day functioning. The platform of my approach is based on... Read more

Bonnie Zargari

M.A., CCC
    • Online booking
Bonnie Zargari is a Canadian Certified Clinical Counselor who sees clients in person, online or via telephone.  Her main clinical focus is working with adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety and/or... Read more

Josh Slatkoff

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Josh Slatkoff is a Registered Psychologist (CPBC #1774) who sees adult clients in Victoria, BC. He works with clients to develop coping skills to face challenges and accept limitations. He believes that clients... Read more

Nichole Fairbrother

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a registered psychologist in Victoria BC. I have a PhD in clinical psychology and over 15 years experience as a therapist and scientist. I specialize in trauma, perinatal anxiety and postpartum OCD, individual... Read more

Sarah Becker

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
I believe that my role as a therapist involves walking alongside my clients while offering an objective and informed perspective. Because I often see people who are seeking change, my goal is to help my clients identify... Read more

Mahsa Yaghoubirad

Ph.D., RCC
Reaching out to a counsellor may not be easy, but would it be worth it if your future self appreciated it? I am a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC) with BCACC, and and a approved therapist... Read more

Jordana Glotman

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! My name is Jordana. I am here to help you navigate the challenges that prompted you to seek counseling. I am passionate about working with clients with Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Burnout... Read more

Joan Dosso

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Everyone is unique in how they process life challenges and make meaning of them. Talk therapy is great for some people and issues, but I also offer play therapy, sand tray, clay work, art and writing to clients of all... Read more

Tanya Switucka

M.Ed., RCC
Are you struggling to be the best version of yourself?   Are you seeking tools to manage life in a way that allows more enjoyment and contentment?  I offer a direct and action-oriented approach utilizing... Read more

Kathryn Atkinson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
To all of you who feel weary, frightened, overwhelmed, alone: take refuge here. You are not alone. There is hope. Although the waves seem too rough, they can be calmed. Let’s navigate these storms together. I am... Read more

Ellahae Keshmiri

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 14 years of experience in the field of mental health and therapy.  I currently offer in person and virtual sessions in Vancouver (Broadway and Cambie area... Read more

Louise Chivers

M.A., RCC
Many people struggle with anxiety, stress, fear of the future, fear of things others aren’t be bothered with. They are tired of worrying about things they can not change, or things they have trouble figuring out... Read more

Adrienne Wang

Ph.D., R.Psych
We all have the potential to make meaningful changes to lead the lives we desire.  I specialize in helping adults with various concerns such as obsessions and/or compulsions, chronic worrying, social anxiety,... Read more

Roya Vojdani

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Life is a journey full of twists and turns, but you don't have to face it all alone. Depression, anxiety, trauma and other emotional struggles take away from the joys of everyday life and might leave you feeling... Read more

Veronika Tkacova

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that therapy can be a safe space for healing and self-discovery, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to support others throughout this process.  I have experience working with various forms of... Read more

Madeleine Sullivan

M.Ed., RCC
    • Audio on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
You will receive a warm, kind, caring, compassionate, non-judgmental approach to counselling to empower you to move forward with your life, and to create a positive and compassionate belief about... Read more

kristina sohal

M.Couns., RCC
EMDR, Exposure, and CBT -Trauma Therapy for Car Accidents, Work Injuries,  Domestic Abuse, and Childhood Trauma Do you feel lost and isolated after a Traumatic event, or it is the past Trauma that just won... Read more

Farideh Farzamian

Ph.D., RCC
Farideh Farzamian, Ph.D., RCC www.healingtalking.net Telehealth / Therapy Online ONLY Dr. Farideh Farzamian is a bilingual therapist. In her sessions she speaks English and/or Persian (Farsi). She has obtained... Read more
    • Online booking
Bronwyn is a caring and compassionate psychotherapist in private practice in Vernon, BC. She offers an approach which is uniquely tailored to each client and their therapeutic goals.  Ranging from Eastern... Read more

Maya Misic

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
Since 2002, I’ve helped my clients break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back in life. Life's too short to be unhappy, unsure, or unfulfilled. I am here to help my clients achieve a more... Read more

Eric Ochs

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Eric Ochs was awarded his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from McGill University in 2000. He was trained and worked for a number of years at the Royal Victoria Hospital (Montreal) in the Sex & Couple... Read more

Jennifer Trew

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Jennifer Trew is a Registered Psychologist (CPBC #2224) specializing in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and mood difficulties in adults. She has training and expertise in assessing and treating depression,... Read more

Maria Boublil

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Therapy is about achieving lasting change that improves your quality of life now and in the future. You may be looking for a therapist to talk to, but more importantly, you are looking for someone who can help you... Read more

Alyssa Morgan

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Do you feel like you are having trouble moving past a specific event or feel like you are engaging in destructive thinking patterns or behaviors? Therapy is a safe and confidential place where you can share your... Read more

Ned Baess

Psy.D., R.Psych
Dr. Ned Baess was awarded his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, in 2003.  He was clinically trained at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) and... Read more

Danielle Green

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
It is frustrating and painful to get stuck in unwanted patterns in life.  Overthinking, relationship conflict, low mood and a deep sense of overwhelm can feel like issues that continue to recycle throughout your... Read more

Chi Hung

M.Couns., RCC
You don’t have to struggle alone Living with anxiety, fear, and helplessness is difficult. Relationship can be confusing and disappointing. Dealing with your parents or your children can be frustrating. You are... Read more

Daphne Georghiou

MFT, RCC
Get help from a seasoned, clinically trained psychotherapist in Vancouver, with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples and families cultivate inner balance and create a path to finding joy in... Read more

Megan Sutherland

M.S.W., RCSW
Warm, accepting, inclusive and practical best describes my personal therapeutic style. I also place a high value on careful listening, empathy, professional ethics and accountability.  I believe that all people... Read more