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.

Ginny Wong

M.C., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s Degree in Counselling, with over 35 years of experience as a community-based social worker serving immigrants and refugee claimants. In additions, I am an... Read more

Tami Amit

M.A., RCC
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I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and EMDR Practitioner with extensive training and experience in the field of Counselling, Coaching and Personal... Read more

Sofia Daulat

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Life experiences can leave us feeling stressed, anxious, inadequate and even hopeless. At times we feel lost, as we struggle to navigate the pain and discomfort we are feeling and may be unsure of how to take steps... 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

Will Bratt

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Looking for a counsellor whose approach is concrete and accessible? My approach to therapy is conversational, laid back, and client-directed. That means you only talk about what's important to you, and work... Read more

Kelly Houlahan

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I'm deeply committed to guiding individuals through the maze of life. My passion lies in helping children, teens, and young adults unravel complexities; including anxiety, depression, relationships, and life... Read more

Mark Holland

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
A Registered Clinical Counsellor serving Vancouver since 2015, Mark helps clients uncover realistic, pragmatic solutions to their problems. Identified as a leader in his field, Mark works with clients to leverage... Read more

Christina McGill

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Christina’s work with clients focuses on helping them connect with their innate capacity to heal, supporting them to learn to trust themselves, and developing their ability to reflect on their inner self.... Read more

John Taylor

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Relationships make the world go round; they can also make your world miserable when things aren't working. I am a trained couples counsellor with the tools and intuition to help you improve... Read more

John Woychuk

M.A., CCC
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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
    • 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

Carolyn Jarvis

B.S.W., RSW
If one thing is true about life, it will throw us unexpected curve balls. Throughout my career, I have developed an expertise in counselling people going through distressing or unexpected life changes, or... Read more

Lisa Devine

M.Ed., RCC
In my twenty plus years experience working in the community and public school system, I have supported a variety of folks including: children, youth, adults, couples and families. I seek to help clients recognize... Read more

Judith Barnard

M.S.W., RSW
Greetings! My name is Judith. I have over twenty years of experience helping women find relief from the debilitating effects of panic, anxiety and depression. You may have anxiety if: your stomach constantly... Read more

Ayesha Omar

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Healing is one of the bravest choices we can make for ourselves. My experience in working with clients who have lived through trauma has afforded me a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection, and how we can... 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

Jess Holtslander

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
We are all human and, as humans, we all experience loss and change. With any loss or life change comes conflicting emotions. Grief, or conflicting emotions, can result from losing a loved one, losing a pet, changing... Read more

Kiran Dosanjh

M.Ed., RCC
Hello and thank you for visiting my page! My name is Kiran Dosanjh. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and I want to support you on your journey towards... Read more

Ayesha Azfar

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hello, I am Ayesha Azfar, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and I have my Master of Counselling Psychology from Adler University. My practice is located in Coquitlam BC and I provide Individual, Couples and... Read more

Meredith MacKenzie

M.A., RCC
Meredith MacKenzie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and owner of Parallel Wellness. She is a warm and genuine individual, couple and family therapist. She works with both adolescent and adult clients. She... Read more

Lisa Butcher

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.  I hold a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in New Brunswick and a Bachelors degree in Health... Read more

Debra Seeley

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hello! I’m Debbie, from Inner Harmony Counselling Registered Social Worker (MSW & RSW), Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) I am currently offering both remote, and or in person counselling... Read more

Abby Wong

M.A., RCC
Hi there, my name is Abby! I hold a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and have experience working with a diverse range of client populations, including children, adolescents, and adults. My background... Read more

Mark Bodnarchuk

Ph.D., R.Psych
I help people who are having difficulties in their relationships with their children, family, romantic partners, and co-workers.  I work with individuals, couples, and some or all family members.   I help... Read more

Summy Pajouh

MCP:AT, RCC
    • Online booking
Summy is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Counselling Art Therapist who graduated with a Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy from Adler University. Summy has experience providing individual and... Read more

Jordan Penner

M.A., RCC
Jordan has been helping people access their strengths and overcome challenges for the past 15 yearsl; with a focus on building skills that create lasting solutions.  True change comes from... Read more

Chantal Bernard

M.C., RCC
Taking the step to seek the support of a counsellor for yourself or for your loved one is a step toward positive change. Counselling is an opportunity to express yourself and share your experiences in confidence and... Read more
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Who am I? I’m a psychotherapist in private practice in West Vancouver. I conduct in-person, FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom sessions Mon-Fri. I work with individuals, couples, and families in the following practice... Read more

Nadia Oomer

M.C., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and have been working in the mental health and substance abuse sector for over twelve years. I work with clients with a wide variety of psychological, health and life problems... Read more

Pam Vickram

M.S.W., RSW
If you are struggling with mental health, family issues, trauma, self-esteem or simply wanting to engage in the therapeutic process, I look forward to working with you. I support individuals and couples to navigate a... Read more