Integrating EMDR and Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Healing Combination

By Dr. Amanda Martin

As therapists, we’re always exploring ways to deepen the healing experience for our clients. One approach that has shown incredible promise is combining Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with animal-assisted therapy. Both modalities are powerful on their own, but together, they create a unique synergy that fosters connection, regulation, and deeper processing. Here’s how this integration works and why it’s so impactful.

The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animals have an uncanny ability to create an authentic, comforting connection with humans. In therapeutic settings, they:

• Help clients feel at ease, making it easier to open up.
• Provide emotional support, especially during difficult conversations or trauma processing.
• Offer a non-judgmental presence, which fosters safety and trust.

I’ve seen clients who struggled to stay regulated during sessions find a new level of calm with an emotional support animal present. For instance, in one case, a client who couldn’t make it through a family therapy session without escalating was able to remain engaged and maintain a positive affect simply because an emotional support dog was in the room. This kind of transformation is a testament to the profound impact animals can have.

How Animals Enhance EMDR Therapy

Integrating animal-assisted therapy into EMDR sessions adds another layer of support. EMDR can be an intense process, requiring clients to remain present while revisiting traumatic memories. Here’s how an emotional support animal can help:

1. Regulation and Comfort: The animal’s presence helps clients stay within their window of tolerance, reducing the risk of emotional flooding or dissociation. Many clients report feeling calmer and more grounded when an animal is nearby.
   
2. Subtle Cues: Animals often pick up on subtle emotional shifts before humans do. For example, my therapy dog, Bridget, will approach clients or place her head in their lap if she senses they’re becoming distressed. This gentle intervention can bring the client’s focus back to the present without triggering defensiveness.
3. Nonverbal Connection: Some clients may struggle to articulate their feelings or progress during processing. The animal’s behavior can offer additional insight—a reminder to continue processing or explore a particular channel further.
4. Facilitating Positive States: Clients frequently report feeling “loved” or “supported” when an animal engages with them during a difficult moment. These experiences foster positive associations and promote new integration of difficult memories.

Practical Considerations for Starting Animal-Assisted Therapy

If you’re considering adding an emotional support animal to your practice, here are some tips:

• Training and Certification: Animals need proper training to work in therapeutic settings. Pet Partners and the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program offer excellent certification options. Consider temperament testing, like the puppy aptitude test, to find a suitable animal.
• Environment and Population Fit: Choose an animal that aligns with your client population and practice setting. Dogs are common, but cats, rabbits, or even farm animals can be effective, depending on your environment and clients’ needs.
• Allergy Management: Be mindful of allergies. Use hypoallergenic shampoos, wipes, or other products to minimize exposure to allergens.
• Animal Welfare: Ensure the animal’s well-being is prioritized. They should enjoy their role and have appropriate breaks and care.

Why This Matters

The combination of EMDR and animal-assisted therapy is more than just a novel approach—it’s a transformative experience for many clients. The presence of an animal can create moments of connection and comfort that help clients navigate painful memories and build resilience. Whether you’re working with trauma survivors or clients with limited support systems, animal-assisted therapy offers a unique opportunity to foster healing.

If you’re curious about incorporating animal-assisted therapy into your practice, reach out to organizations like CompassionWorks or explore resources from Pet Partners. Together, we can continue to find innovative ways to offer connection, support, and hope to those who need it most.