Child Centered Animal-Assisted Therapy Association

09/10/2026

🐴💛 **Sometimes courage doesn’t mean doing something alone. Sometimes courage means accepting a little support.**

This is Faith, one of our therapy horses, learning to move through something new and uncertain.

At first, the obstacle felt like a lot. So instead of forcing her through it, we slowed down, offered reassurance, and **adjusted the challenge to meet her where she was**.

With support, patience, and a few small changes, Faith was able to move forward.

And isn’t that true for us, too?

When children are anxious or afraid, the goal isn’t always to remove the challenge—or push them through it before they’re ready. Sometimes they need us to make the challenge feel **manageable enough to approach**.

🌱 Break it into smaller steps.
🌱 Offer connection and encouragement.
🌱 Adjust when something feels too overwhelming.
🌱 Celebrate effort, not just the outcome.
🌱 Gradually reduce support as confidence grows.

Because needing support doesn’t mean we aren’t brave.

Sometimes support is exactly what allows us to discover:

**“I was scared…and I did it anyway.”** 💛

09/09/2026

The best way to learn Animal Assisted Therapy is to experience it.
During our in-person learning, you'll move beyond theory and into hands on learning with our therapy animals in a supportive farm environment.
You'll explore animal behaviour, ethical practice, observation skills, and the foundations of Animal Assisted Therapy while gaining practical experience you can apply to your own profession.
Whether you're beginning your AAT journey or exploring how animals can support your work, this course provides the foundation to build your confidence.

09/08/2026

The Child Centered Animal-Assisted Therapy Association has partnered with the Institute of Child Psychology to offer this encore training Oct 9-10 (we sold out our May training)

CCAATA has developed in-depth certification program that focuses on joining animals and children that promotes healing, connection, and growth. We strive to ensure the safety of both the client and the animal assistant, by honouring the human-animal bond, the attachment needs of the child, all while endorsing the highest levels of professional competence needed to facilitate this sacred work.

🍂 Learn how to ethically incorporate animals with mental health interventions
🍂 Explore how to find the best therapy animal(s) for your unique profession
🍂 Better understand the role of animals as assistants and partners in the healing process
🍂Connect with like-minded practitioners and students who have the same professional goals

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

REGISTER HERE--> https://ccaata.com/product/fundamentals-of-ccaata-oct2026/

09/07/2026

Sometimes our animal partners provide the lesson before we even get started!

09/03/2026

🫏💛 Why do donkeys make such wonderful therapy animals?

Donkeys have a way of inviting us to slow down.

Unlike animals that may respond quickly to pressure, donkeys often pause, assess, and decide whether they feel safe before moving forward. In therapy, that can create powerful opportunities for children to practice patience, emotional regulation, trust, and respectful communication.

✨ Donkeys can help teach us:

🤎 Patience — Connection can’t always be rushed.

🤎 Boundaries — A “no” or “not yet” deserves to be respected.

🤎 Emotional regulation — Slowing our bodies and energy can change how another being responds to us.

🤎 Trust — Cooperation grows through safety and relationship, not force.

🤎 Nonverbal communication — Ears, posture, movement, distance, and facial expression all tell us something.

🤎 Persistence and flexibility — When something doesn’t work, we can pause, notice, and try a different approach.

Perhaps most importantly, donkeys don’t need us to perform for them. They meet us in the moment and offer children the opportunity to experience a relationship built around choice, curiosity, respect, and connection.

Sometimes the animal who refuses to be rushed teaches us exactly what we need to learn. 🫏🌿

09/03/2026

For many children, talking about big feelings isn't easy.
Sometimes words are hard to find. Sometimes emotions feel too overwhelming to explain.
That's where animals can make a meaningful difference.
A calm, gentle animal can help create a sense of safety and connection, allowing children to feel more comfortable expressing themselves. Their presence can reduce stress, build trust, and support children as they navigate difficult emotions.
Animal Assisted Therapy isn't simply spending time with animals. It's an intentional, evidence informed approach where trained therapists thoughtfully incorporate animals into the therapeutic process to support emotional growth, communication, and healing.
At Lil' Steps Wellness, we believe healing begins with feeling safe.
💙 Have you ever noticed how animals seem to bring a sense of calm?
Learn more about our Animal Assisted Therapy services by visiting our website.

09/01/2026

Therapy dogs in training (and some getting a refresher) at our Advanced CCAATA training at Hooves of Hope Ranch in Alberta!

08/31/2026

Animals don't have to be furry to make a meaningful impact. During Animal Assisted Therapy, Cecil can help create opportunities for connection, curiosity, and emotional growth in ways that feel natural and engaging.
For some children, holding or observing Cecil can provide a calming focus during difficult conversations. For others, talking about Cecil, learning how to care for him, or simply sharing space with him helps build trust and creates a comfortable starting point for therapy.
Every interaction is intentional and guided by the therapist to support each client's unique goals. The animal isn't the therapist, but a carefully integrated part of the therapeutic process.
Sometimes, a quiet moment with a bearded dragon is all it takes to help a child feel safe enough to open up.
At Lil' Steps Wellness, every animal brings their own unique strengths to the therapy room, and Cecil's calm presence is one of them.

08/26/2026

What does Animal Assisted Therapy actually look like? 🐾
Animal Assisted Therapy is more than simply having an animal in the room. It is an intentional, evidence informed approach that creates opportunities for connection, healing, and growth.
For Monique with Lil' Steps Wellness Inc., one of our Certified Animal Assisted Therapy practitioners, that includes working alongside her animal co-worker, Fusion.
Fusion helps people feel welcome and included, offering a calm presence and a non-judgmental approach that can make it easier to connect, build trust, and engage in the therapeutic process.
Together, Monique and Fusion show us how thoughtfully integrating an animal into therapy can help create a supportive environment where clients can feel more comfortable being themselves.
Curious if Animal Assisted Therapy could be a good fit for you or your child?
Learn more about Animal Assisted Therapy and submit our inquiry form to get started www.ccaata.com

08/24/2026