Animal-Assisted Counselling for Young People
Target Age: 12-16 years
At Engage Playfully, we offer evidence‑based counselling supported by our certified therapy dogs and therapy rabbit. For many young people, traditional talk‑based counselling can feel overwhelming or inaccessible. Animal‑Assisted Counselling provides a calm, engaging, and non‑judgemental environment where teens can explore emotions, build confidence, and develop practical coping strategies at their own pace.
Who We Support
Animal‑Assisted Counselling is suitable for young people aged 12–16 who may be experiencing:
Anxiety, stress, or overwhelm
Autism‑related social, sensory, or emotional challenges
Low confidence or self‑esteem
School refusal, disengagement, or academic pressure
Emotional regulation difficulties
Friendship challenges or social anxiety
Life changes, family stress, or big feelings
Challenges with independence, routines, or self‑care
Our qualified counsellors integrate therapeutic play, creative expression, and animal‑assisted interventions to support emotional wellbeing, resilience, and self‑awareness during the important developmental years of early and mid‑adolescence.
Sessions are always trauma‑informed, neurodiversity‑affirming, and guided by the young person’s comfort, interests, and goals.
Why Animal-Assisted Counselling Works
Therapy animals offer a unique form of emotional safety and connection that supports young people to open up, regulate, and engage more deeply in the therapeutic process. Young people often experience:
A calmer nervous system and reduced anxiety
Increased willingness to participate and communicate
Improved emotional regulation and coping strategies
A sense of connection, trust, and acceptance
Increased motivation to try new skills
Strengthened confidence and self‑belief
Opportunities to practise empathy, boundaries, and social skills
Interactions with therapy animals can also support sensory regulation, grounding, and body awareness—particularly helpful for neurodivergent young people.
What Sessions Look Like
Each session is tailored to the young person’s needs and may include:
Counselling conversations supported by a therapy dog or rabbit
Play‑based or creative therapeutic activities
Emotional regulation strategies and grounding techniques
Strengths‑based skill building
Opportunities to practise communication, problem‑solving, and self‑advocacy
Gentle animal‑care routines that support independence and confidence
Young people are never pressured to interact with the animals; all engagement is optional and guided by comfort and consent.
Our Approach
Engage Playfully is committed to:
Qualified counsellors and trained facilitators
Evidence‑based therapeutic frameworks
High standards of animal welfare and ethical practice
Respect for the young person’s autonomy, identity, and voice
Collaborative communication with families, schools, and support teams (when appropriate)
Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space where young people feel understood, capable, and empowered.
Get in Touch
If you’re seeking counselling that feels engaging, safe, and meaningful for your young person, we’re here to help. Contact us to discuss availability, suitability, or next steps.