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.

Susan Rai

Psy.D., RCC
    • Online booking
Dr. Susan Rai is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology. Susan is currently in the process of registering with the BC College of Psychologists and offering telephone counselling... Read more

Deena Chochinov

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Deena is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a private practice in Vancouver since 2000. She works with individuals, couples and families and uses a variety of therapeutic approaches to help clients find the self-... Read more

Paul Griggs

M.C., RCC
Working with a counsellor can help support you through the challenges of life and can help reveal opportunities for making positive changes. It's a collaborative process that can often lead to improved moods, better... Read more

Andrea Yeo

M.Ed., RCC
Andrea Yeo is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC, a Child Interviewer for BC Hear the Child Society, a Secondary School Teacher with North Vancouver School District, a Certified Parenting Facilitator and... Read more

Sarah Hickinbottom

Ph.D., RCC
CURRENTLY NOT ACCPETING NEW CLIENTS Counselling for Individuals Facing Significant Personal and/or Professional Transitions Sarah's practice is focused on working collaboratively with clients facing unexpected... 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

Clayton Andres

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi there, I'm Clayton! I've been working as a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC for over a decade and have had the opportunity to work with people through many walks of life. I focus on ... Read more

Thomas Wiens

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
What if your psychologist could help you overcome challenges AND get to that next level? Dr. Wiens assists professionals to manage the demands of their career and personal life so that they can perform at their best... Read more

Wellwoods Counselling

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Wellwoods Counselling is founded on the recognition of our innate wholeness. Bringing together a wealth of life experience and decades of training in psychological and spiritual traditions, I provide holistic... Read more

Steven Lake

M.Ed., CCC
Dr. Lake has a PhD in Educational Administration. He has a personal interest in emotion and crisis management and created a Model Of Effective Crisis Management for his dissertation. His Master's degree is in... 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

Wendy Li

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I work with adults who may seem fine on the outside, but are struggling in some way on the inside. Your struggles may be with stress or anxiety, low mood or motivation, lack of satisfaction and interest in what you... Read more

Susan Higgs

MCP, RCC
Susan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with a Master of Counselling Psychology (MCP) from Adler University.  Susan brings a diversity of... Read more

Amanda Thiessen

M.S.W., RSW
If you are feeling overwhelmed by your emotional experience, you have come to the right place. Maybe you've never tried therapy before, things have finally come to a head, and you're ready to seek help.... Read more

Rebecca Rauscher

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
I have over 15 years experience as a helping professional, first as an Occupational Therapist and then as a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Working with people is my passion! I love joining my clients on their... Read more

Jeff Morley

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am an experienced Registered Psychologist (#1577), as well as a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress.  In my practice I help people working through different challenges in their life from relationship and... Read more

David Brown

M.S.W., RCSW
Most of us want to make changes and improvements in our life, yet we tend to rely on the same old approaches (or habits) despite our best intentions. My approach to counselling is to support people to experiment with... Read more

Rana Hakami

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am Registered Clinical Counsellor and educator supporting individuals navigate planned and unexpected educational, career, and life transitions. Everyone approaches change with a unique set of values, beliefs, and... Read more

Andrew Wilkins

M.Couns., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Accepting new clients! By considering a therapist, you have already taken a significant step toward becoming the person you wish to be. Something has shifted for you. I can help you build on that initial spark by... Read more

Marie Lembesis

M.Ed., RCC
Marie Lembesis, M.Ed., RCC, RRP, CCRC CVRP(F) has a practice that comprises vocational diagnostics, career counselling and personal counselling for individuals aged 16 and up. Her diagnostic work includes... Read more

Lisa Woolgar

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
If you're suffering through a loss, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed or stuck, I'm an Registered Clinical Counsellor who specializes in helping people navigate even their most challenging emotions, felt... Read more

Lucia Pecnikova

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Creating a safe space where you feel heard and seen is my priority and I consider my work a privilege as we create a secure therapeutic relationship to support your healing process and inner exploration. I have a master... Read more

John Woychuk

M.A., CCC
    • Blog on profile
I'm here to provide a safe space for you in your time of distress, crisis or loss. Safety begins with connecting with another human being and not being alone in your struggle. Whatever is happening for you will be... Read more

Suvi Teigen

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Suvi. I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work and am a RSW (Registered Social Worker) with the BC College of Social Workers. I am also human and at times I have been where you may find yourself now... Read more

Edie Reiman

M.S.W., RSW
*****Edie Reiman MSW, RSW is a Psychotherapist, Life Coach and Presenter. Private Practice located in South Surrey/White Rock, BC.  Video and Tele-Counselling/Coaching with clients in Vancouver,... Read more

Sarah Erwin

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Are you ambitious and driven, but doubting every step that you take? Are you struggling to feel worthy and fulfilled? It might not feel like it, but you're not alone. We live in a culture of "hustle and grind... Read more

Andrea Zimmering

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
I come to this line of work passionate about providing support to individuals seeking change and growth. I strive to show up with integrity in my work and ensure that my clients feel seen, heard, and safe to show up... Read more

Jeff Ross

M.A., RCC
 Feel good about the possibilities that life has to offer. Are you seeing life clearly? Do you tell your family and friends “I’m fine” even though you know you are not? Do you feel... Read more

Jenny Hsu

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you feeling disconnected from those around you? You might find yourself stuck in the same arguments or patterns with your partner.  Or you may be struggling to find a sense of belonging in your family,... Read more

Florence Ling

M.A., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
    • Online booking
* Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, English. * Accept ICBC clients. * Helping clients understand their difficulties and inner world. * Discovery of their inherent strengths so as to encourage the development... Read more