Please reach us at info@leedstalkingtherapy.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
AAT is a form of therapeutic support that involves carefully selected, well-handled animals to help people feel calmer, safer and more able to open up. Animals help reduce stress, support emotional regulation and make therapy feel less intimidating.
We support children, young people and adults, including those who are neurodivergent, anxious, overwhelmed, or who find traditional talking therapy difficult.
Yes. Steph and Andrew are registered, accredited members of the BACP and fully qualified psychotherapists.
We are trained to work safely with or without animals present, ensuring therapy is grounded in real clinical skill.
We work with a carefully selected group of reptiles and small exotics chosen for their gentle nature and suitability for therapeutic work.
We do not use animals that are stressed by handling or unsuitable for the work.
Yes. All sessions are risk assessed, animals are temperament tested, and all staff hold enhanced DBS checks, first aid training, and safeguarding training.
We prioritise the wellbeing of both clients and animals.
No.
Clients can interact in ways that feel comfortable — watching, gentle handling, observing behaviour, or simply having the animals present.
No one is ever pushed to hold an animal.
We work at your pace. Many clients who were initially nervous have grown confidence through gentle, supported exposure.
You never have to handle anything you don’t want to.
Sessions combine therapeutic conversation with animal interaction, emotional regulation support, grounding activities, and personalised strategies based on your needs.
Yes. We provide AAT in schools, AP settings, SEND environments, and secure settings.
These visits include calm-space sessions, emotional regulation, wellbeing workshops and 1:1 support.
Therapy sessions start at:
Workshops and group sessions are priced individually.
We are based in Leeds, with sessions available in-person in our therapy cabin and online across the UK.
AAT can support:
Yes — Andrew offers online counselling sessions for those who prefer or require remote support.
You can book by sending us an email, giving us a call or contacting us via our social media accounts.
We offer a free initial 10 minute consultation to help you decide if we’re the right fit and for schools and other services we will have a planning conversation on the phone or via email to make sure your session or workshop is just what you want.
