Internat'l Institute Animal Assisted Play Therapy®

The International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy® is the official organization and site of the cofounders of the field of Animal Assisted Play Therapy®, Dr. Risë VanFleet (USA) and Tracie Faa-Thompson (UK). AAPT is a multidisciplinary field that emphasizes reciprocal, mutually beneficial human-animal relationships in the work of mental health, allied health, educational, and animal professionals. The well-being and agency of animals are always fostered. The book, Animal Assisted Play Therapy® (VanFleet & Faa-Thompson, 2017) was awarded the prestigious DWAA Maxwell Award as the best book on the human-animal bond in 2018. IIAAPT offers online and in-person training workshops, supervision, and lots of information about AAPT. The AAPT International Certification Board has been spun off to offer certification at multiple levels in AAPT, all based upon demonstrated competencies. Check out this unique and exciting field!