Animal Assisted Play Therapy® (AAPT)
"Playfulness, trust, and respect are the bridges through which healing and growth travel — not only between therapist and client, but also between human and animal."
– Dr. Rise VanFleet
Animal Assisted Play Therapy® (AAPT) is a specialized form of therapy developed and defined by Dr. Rise VanFleet and Tracey Thompson. AAPT integrates the principles of play therapy and animal-assisted therapy to create a relational, playful, and client-centered intervention that supports emotional healing, resilience, and personal growth.
In AAPT, both play and the involvement of animals—often dogs, cats, or horses—are used intentionally and therapeutically. The approach emphasizes the importance of a genuine, mutually respectful relationship between the animal, therapist, and client. Animals are not simply present; they are active partners in the therapeutic process, with their well-being considered equally important as the client's.
Key aspects of AAPT include voluntary participation by the animal, careful observation of the animal's consent and stress signals, and the integration of playfulness as a therapeutic medium. Sessions are often non-directive, allowing natural interactions and emotional expressions to emerge. The playful environment encourages safety, creativity, emotional expression, and the development of social and coping skills.
VanFleet and Thompson stress the importance of proper training for both the therapist and the animal handler, ensuring competence in animal behavior, welfare, and therapeutic techniques. AAPT is deeply rooted in respect, empathy, and the belief that play and relationships are powerful catalysts for change.
Thus, Animal Assisted Play Therapy® is a unique, ethically grounded approach that blends the transformative power of play with the healing potential of the human-animal bond.
