Private Client Therapy
LCAT offers both traditional person centred counselling and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) to private clients. LCAT's team of counsellors have extensive experience working through such issues as bereavement, anger management, family conflict and divorce.
Animal Assisted Therapy involves animals becoming a fundamental part of a clients treatment. The non-threatening environment of this therapy creates a sense of responsibility and can improve a client’s ability to participate in therapeutic treatment. This in turn can lead to achievement in identified goals and objectives. Some vulnerable individuals are often fundamentally mistrustful of others but can easily achieve a level of intimacy with animals that can be impossible to establish within a traditional therapy session. This special bond contributes to an animal’s effectiveness as a co-therapist and what can make it particularly effective when working with children/young people.
Animal Assisted Therapy is used with a diverse cross-section of the community including not only those with social, emotional and behavioural problems, but also with the physically challenged. For example, somebody restricted to a wheelchair can get out of their chair and ride a horse, not only does this help them with mobility, but just for a short while gives them some independence and freedom. Young offenders or those at risk of offending can regain a sense of control and responsibility through caring for the animals.
Within the centre, we offer access to a wide range of animals including horses, ponies and small petting animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, dogs, chickens etc.
Individual programmes are designed using the animals to build confidence, self esteem and social skills for young and disadvantaged people and hard to reach families. Physical rehabilitation sessions utilising the animals are available for both children and adults.
