Instructor-Led Intro into Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling (A Roadmap to Harnessing the Therapeutic Power of the Human-Animal Bond)

Held April 24, 2026 via Zoom

1 pm - 4 pm CST (3 CEUs)

A growing body of research supports what many professionals have already experienced with their own pets - that the human-animal bond can be emotionally, psychologically, and physically beneficial. This course offers a roadmap to mental health professionals considering taking the next step towards bringing the healing power of animals into their counseling. The fundamentals of Animal-Assisted Therapy will be covered by exploring the history of animals in counseling, clarifying terminology, discussing benefits and risks, and experiencing some AAT interventions.  

Research evidence supports that Animal-Assisted Therapy can be beneficial to a wide range of ages, genders, and cultures. It has been researched and is currently being provided in numerous countries. As such, it offers emotional healing to diverse clients. Additionally, animals typically interact with clients without consideration of their social, racial, economic, or political status, which gives clients an opportunity for genuine, healthy, therapeutic relationship. 

Upon concluding this course, fully engaged participants will be able to:   

• Identify characteristics of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling and differentiate from other therapeutic applications of the human-animal bond 
• List at least 3 research-based benefits of partnering with animals in counseling 
• List at least 3 risks of including an animal in counseling and describe ways of mitigating those risks 
• Identify at least 3 indicators of stress and at least 3 indicators of consent for canines and equines 
• Describe at least 3 different animal-assisted counseling interventions 

Kim Sullivan, LPC, RPT, NCC operates a solo private practice based in Round Rock, Texas, working with clients ages 3 to adult utilizing modalities including Child-Centered Play Therapy, expressive arts, sand tray, and animal-assisted counseling.  She teams up with her canine counseling partner, Barney, for the majority of her sessions.  Kim offers supervision for LPC-Associates and consultation for licensed counselors working towards their RPT certification, with her 3 donkeys joining in for equine-assisted supervision.  Kim is certified as an Animal-Assisted Counselor through Texas State University’s Animal-Assisted Counseling Academy (where she also serves as lead trainer), is Level 2 trained in Natural Lifemanship (a trauma-informed equine-based approach), and EMDR trained.  Kim previously served as Lead Trainer for Texas State University's Animal-Assisted Counseling Academy, now continuing her connection with the AAC Academy by serving as an AAC Team Evaluator.