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Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy

  • thekidstherapycenter
  • Jul 8
  • 2 min read
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Healing is about to get a lot fluffier! The Kid's Therapy Center is excited to announce our upcoming offering of Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy! With calm nudges and quiet companionship, our fuzzy "co-therapists" help kids ease anxiety, foster trust, and feel safe in the moment alongside the expert care of licensed clinicians.


What is Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy?

AAP looks very similar to "regular" therapy, but the presence of a calm, supportive animal often facilitates deeper communication and processing of thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Kids and teenagers in particular often find that talking to or working with the animal can take the pressure off engagement in therapy.


What animals does TKTC use in AAP?

Three of our licensed clinicians are handlers-in-training for their animals. We have two dogs, Nakoa and Gimli, and one rabbit, Gizmo.

Nakoa is a quiet presence with a calm, steady heart. He helps clients of all ages feel safe, grounded, and seen just by being himself. His handler Kourtney Smith, LAPC, is excited to have him in sessions to elevate her own trauma-informed care with clients.

Gimli is warm, wise, and has a lot of heart. He has a steady presence that makes kids feel safe and comforted. Paired with the holistic care offered by his handler Hannah Woll, LPCC, Gimli is ready to help families heal.

Gizmo the bunny is soft and gentle. His presence helps shy, anxious, and sensory-sensitive kids feel grounded and supported. Alongside his handler Carissa Fenster, LPCC's creative, trauma-informed approach, Gizmo is ready to welcome and support clients as they move toward healing.


We are so excited to officially offer Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy in our Bismarck locations soon, so stay tuned on our social media pages for more information!

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Bismarck Main Office:

1701 South 12th St.

Bismarck, ND 58504

Tel: 701.751.0384

Fax: 888.901.7234

Valley City Office:

1284 W Main St

Valley City, ND 58072

Tel: 701.840.3566

Fax: 888.901.7234

TKTC Health & Wellness Center:

1421 South 12th St. 

Bismarck, ND 58504

Tel: 701.751.0384   

Fax: 888.901.7234

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