Both animal assisted therapy (AAT) and animal assisted play therapy® (AAPT®) can be helpful approaches when working with a range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, self esteem, emotional regulation, and feelings of isolation. The presence of an animal can also help create a greater sense of comfort, connection, and safety within the therapeutic environment.
At Supportive Steps, AAT and AAPT® are facilitated by Hailey Reiss, a Certified Animal Assisted Play Therapist® (CAAPT), with Canelo, our certified therapy dog.
Before meeting Canelo, clients first have the opportunity to build a relationship with their therapist and become comfortable in the office environment. Once they feel ready, Canelo begins joining sessions. During AAT sessions, clients may have opportunities to snuggle with him, care for him, play with him, or simply enjoy having him nearby.
AAPT® combines animal assisted therapy with play therapy, incorporating the natural ability of dogs to engage in play and connection. Sessions are child led and may include Canelo participating in play by taking on a role chosen by the child or youth, playing fetch, completing an obstacle course, or learning new tricks together. More information about AAPT® can be found here.
Canelo is currently in the office two to three days per week.
Canelo is a young rescue dog from Chapala, Mexico. His name means “cinnamon,” reflecting his warm colouring and spirited personality.
Canelo is a Certified Animal Assisted Play Therapy® dog, meaning he has completed specialized training and meets established standards for participating in AAPT®. His certification reflects his ability to be a supportive and appropriate presence in therapeutic settings, helping create a safe, positive, and engaging experience for clients.
The key aspect to therapy at Supportive Steps is that it is a welcoming and empowering space, shaped around you and your child’s background, individual problems, and needs. Drawing upon client-focused therapy means treatment that views the client as a whole person, not as a set of separate issues to be solved. The end result is arriving at a space where you and/or your child are treated as a partner in reaching overall well-being.
Therapy sessions are client-centred and adapted to each person’s needs, goals, and pace. Depending on the therapeutic approach, sessions may include conversation, guided activities, creative or body-based techniques, and moments of reflection. We provide a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where individuals can explore challenges, build self-awareness, and develop tools to support emotional health.
This space answers common questions and helps you feel more confident and prepared as you begin your therapy journey.
The more we are not aware of our thoughts, feelings, motives, and behaviours, the more they control us. Therapy helps people understand their “stories”; the experiences that have shaped them, their protectors that helped them get through challenges, and the patterns or habits that are now preventing them from living the way they would like. It is an exploration where the therapist walks alongside the person, helping them to unscramble and make sense of the information they share.
Booking your first session takes three easy steps:
1. Click the Book a Call button at the top of the page or contact us directly to book a free 15-minute consult where we will discuss your hopes and needs.
2. Create your collaborative treatment plan with your therapist at your first session.
3. Begin your journey to mental strength and resilience.
During the first session, we will begin to explore life for you or your child. We will explore things such as your/your child’s challenges, history, family history, coping skills, and strengths. We may also complete some assessments that may be beneficial in reaching certain goals. This exploration may take several sessions depending on the history and challenges you want to address for yourself/your child.
Everyone’s journey is different. Some people may reach their established goals within only a few sessions, while others may be working on recurring life patterns or traumatic events which may benefit from more long-term support. Based on your hopes and challenges, we will come up with a plan together to help you reach your goals.
Appointments are 50 minutes in length (45-50 minutes for children), with the last 10 minutes of the hour being for rescheduling and admin work.
Yes, we currently offer phone, telehealth, and in-person appointments.
Yes, we are happy to work with you based on your needs. If we can’t help, we are happy to provide referrals to other organizations that may be able to work with you.
Most insurance companies offer some coverage for social work services. Please contact your insurance provider directly to inquire. If you need assistance with this, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Take the first step toward better mental health. Book your complimentary consultation today and begin a supportive journey toward healing, clarity, and emotional growth in a safe and compassionate environment.
Because both AAT and AAPT® are built around the human animal relationship, the well being and boundaries of the therapy dog are an important part of the process. Just as clients deserve to have their boundaries respected, Canelo does too. His participation is always guided with care, and he has the opportunity to choose when and how he participates in a session.