AAPT is the integration of two therapeutic modalities:  play therapy and animal-assisted therapy.  AAPT’s main goal is to facilitate therapeutic change with the child and dog through a playful relationship. 

A Formal Definition from the literature:

“The integrated involvement of animals in the context of play therapy, in which appropriately-trained therapists and animals engage with children & families primarily in play interventions aimed at improving the child’s psychosocial health AND the animal’s well-being.”

Source: Play Therapy with Kids and Canines by Rise VanFleet

Below are some concerns that the child, therapist and play therapy dog may work on together:

• Self-Efficacy/Confidence

• Attachment/Relationship/Social Skills

• Empathy Development

• Self-Regulation of Emotions & Behaviors

• Problem Solving

• Anxiety, Fears, Phobias

• Trauma

• Anger Management/Aggressive Tendencies