What to Expect in Your First Animal Assisted Therapy Session

Mental Health Monday: Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana

What to Expect in Your First Animal Assisted Therapy Session

👋 Welcome — You’re Not Alone

Starting therapy can feel a little intimidating—especially if it’s your first time. Add in a furry co-therapist, and you might be wondering what to expect. At Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana (AACI), we understand those nerves. This post walks you through what happens in your first animal assisted therapy session so you can arrive with a little more comfort and a lot more clarity.

🐶 What Is Animal Assisted Therapy?

Before we talk about the session, let’s clarify what animal assisted therapy is. It’s a therapeutic approach where trained animals (like our beloved Saint Bernard, Sadie 🐾) are intentionally included in your sessions to help promote emotional connection, regulation, and safety. The animal isn’t just a comforting presence—they’re a bridge to healing.

👉 Learn more about our therapy team at AACI

🐾 Your First Visit — What Happens

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect during your first animal assisted therapy session:

A warm welcome. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by your therapist—and likely a wagging tail too. Our therapy dogs love saying hello.
Paperwork + comfort check. We’ll review any intake forms and ask how you’re feeling about the session.
Gentle introductions. Our therapy dogs are in every session but there’s no pressure. They follow your lead.
Getting to know you. Your therapist will ask about your goals, concerns, and any past experience with therapy or animals.
Exploring interaction. You might engage with the therapy dog petting them, or simply having them rest nearby. This is always optional and guided by your comfort.
A supportive close. Sessions end with time to reflect and ask questions. You’ll never be rushed.

🧠 Why Include a Therapy Animal in Session?

Therapy animals offer powerful emotional support. Studies show they can:

Help reduce cortisol (stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (bonding hormone)
Support emotional regulation, especially during difficult topics
Offer grounding for those with anxiety or trauma
Provide a nonjudgmental presence that encourages openness

💡 Explore the research from UCLA Health

💬 Common Questions

Do I have to interact with the dog?
No, our therapy dogs will always respect your space. You can observe, engage a little, or not at all.

What if I’m nervous around dogs?
We’ll talk about that too. Some clients find that therapy helps even gently reduce fear or anxiety over time—with no pressure.

Will the animal distract from therapy?
Not at all. In fact, many clients feel more focused and safe, which often allows deeper therapeutic work.

💛 Final Thoughts: It's a Safe Place to Begin

Your first animal assisted therapy session isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. It’s about starting the healing process at your own pace, with a trusted therapist and a loyal therapy dog by your side.

At AACI, we’re here to support you—whether you’re dealing with anxiety, life transitions, relationship struggles, or simply want someone to talk to (furry friend included).

📅 Ready to Schedule?

Let us walk alongside you—Therapy Dog included.
👉 Contact us today to schedule your first session