Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal Assisted Therapy, Relaxation 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..

Relaxation Therapy, used therapeutically, relieves stress, manage symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep. Applied correctly and practiced frequently, relaxation therapy can improve a person's general well being.

The waking mind is constantly active, with thoughts swirling through it at an alarming rate. The mind remains active during sleep as well, and that is why people often wake up feeling tired. Restful sleep is needed for the mind to be relaxed and for the body to be healthy.

Relaxation therapy quiets the mind, allowing thoughts to flow smoothly, at a level rhythm that induces relaxation. A well-rested mind is rejuvenated, even while at sleep. Rest and relaxation improves overall health, boosts the immune system and helps the body to fight stress and anxiety to improve a person's quality of life.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Relaxation Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

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

Leia Newland

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
In my therapeutic approach, I prioritize creating a non-judgmental and secure environment where clients feel empowered to explore their concerns openly. Together, we navigate through obstacles, fostering growth and... Read more

Alex Gheorghe

M.S.W., RSW
I started Out of the Woods Counselling with the goal of providing individuals, couples and families with evidence-based interventions and techniques to relieve them of challenges that keep them stuck - depression,... Read more

Krista Sao

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people who have a desire for change but are unsure where to start. If you want life to be more fulfilling, but you feel held back by fear, guilt, or shame. You’ve engaged in new behaviours but... Read more

Khadija Hammuda

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hello and welcome.  As an individual and family counsellor/therapist, I offer counselling/therapy services in English and/or Arabic for youth and adult clients to explore neurodivergence, mental... Read more

Sophia Mivasair

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people seeking to build confidence, clarity, and calm in their lives. You might struggle to express yourself, and be understood in important relationships. You might be stuck on a treadmill of tired patterns... Read more

Yuka Oshimi

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
My name is Yuka (She/Her) and I am glad that you are here. I hold a Master of Counselling degree from Monash University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia with a major in psychology and a... Read more

Christopher Conley

M.A., RCC
Sessions are available by phone or Zoom Pro online/video.  Grove Centre's mission as a respectful member of the community, is to support children and families within home, school and community... Read more

Kelly Kavanagh

M.A., R.Psych
My name is Kelly Kavanagh (MA, MEd, R.Psych) co-owner of Richmond Couples and Child Counselling (RCCC), located directly across from the Richmond Hospital. I am a psychologist working exclusively with children,... Read more
    • In-Person Sessions
Do you feel like you’ve tried to make change in your life but you keep hitting the same walls? You have so much you want to do, but it can be hard to know where to start. Stress, anxiety and depression-whether... Read more

Tosh Gordey

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
My name is Tosh, and I am a queer therapist who finds my passion in working with individuals and couples on their healing journeys.  Whether you are experiencing relationship challenges or changes, anxiety,... Read more

Drew Harms

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, my name is Drew and I am a dedicated therapist who works with anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, couples counselling, women's issues, children's play therapy, teen issues and perinatal mental... Read more
    • Online booking
I work alongside youth and adult clients to support and explore challenges related to neurodivergence, trauma, mental health, identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, well-being, relationships, and confidence.... Read more

Sean Cameron

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
I’m committed to giving others what I received when I needed it the most: Help to get real, heal, and grow. Work with me is challenging, meaningful, and transformational. Ready yourself to discover the inner... Read more

Shea Talbot

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
My passion to be a counsellor was sparked by witnessing the challenges faced by close family and friends dealing with mental health issues growing up. I believe that each person has the power within themselves to make... Read more

Akeiko Rawn

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Our identities are always in a process of becoming and our circumstances changing. We are here to listen deeply and respectfully cultivate a rich and purposeful way forward with you. Through genuine concern,... Read more

Paula Bude

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Paula Bude (MEd., C.C.C., R.C.C., C.Hyp.) is asking you to consider: "what if this imperfect moment is the gateway into everything I want?".  Therapy with Paula is an invitation to deepen... Read more

Brett Robinson

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Robinson, Registered Psychologist, offers psychoeducational assessments through the clinic of Dr. Karianne Axford & Associates.  Our strengths-based psychoeducational assessments look at learning (i.e.,... Read more

Kara Bezuko

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people seeking a gentler path to happiness and well-being. You may be grasped by anxiety, lost in the heavy darkness of depression, or caught in a turmoil of confusion and distraction. You might find... Read more

Adrienne Johnson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am passionate about helping clients who are facing challenges in transitions, relationships, or who are exploring questions about their life’s meaning and purpose. I also have experience working with anxiety,... Read more

Sherry Moore

M.S.W., RCC
Hello, my name is Sherry. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Registered Social Worker (RSW & MSW). Are you struggling with mental health and/or addiction? Have you experienced trauma in your life?... Read more
    • Online booking
Vernon Playroom Now Open! At Pathways Play Therapy Services, my mission is to support children’s mental and emotional wellbeing, strengthen their attachments, and increase their connection to self. As a play... Read more

Fernanda Borja

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I recognize the challenges and changes that life presents. This is why, through counselling, I seek to help others with empathy and awareness. I believe in everyone’s power to self-transform positively and I... Read more

Ksenia Belova

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people desiring stronger, deeper and more fulfilling relationships with themselves, and with other people. If you're struggling to feel well and to live the life you want, you may feel cut off from your... Read more

Spencer Copland

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Spencer Copland Therapy I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. My offices are located in Vancouver and I work with clients throughout BC.  ... Read more

Jisu Yoon

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Jisu holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of British Columbia, as well as a Bachelor of Social Work from Grant MacEwan University. She is registered with both the British Columbia College of Social... Read more
    • Online booking
When explaining my approach, I often ask the question, “Who are you”? It’s a tricky one, isn’t it? No matter how hard we try, our stories rarely can sum it all up. Inevitably, something is... Read more

Mary Kwan

M.Sc., RCC
Whether you are feeling depressed anxious, wanting to talk to someone, or to work out your inner issues so that you can be a happy person, I am here to help. Feeling stuck in your family relations, you can still live... Read more

Jan Paris

M.A., RCC
I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience working in private practice and the voluntary sector.  I work with individuals, couples, groups and families. I... Read more

Valerie MacNeil

M.Ed., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Are you experiencing overwhelming emotions, unwanted thoughts, challenging relationships, codependency, unhelpful habits or addiction? You are not alone, anyone can benefit from counselling at some point in their lives... Read more

Raheel Rahman

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
  Raheel Rahman is committed to providing compassion and support to help you through many life issues.   RAHEEL RAHMAN CAN HELP YOU WITH: Anxiety in adults and children Depression in adults... Read more