Paddock Psychology Counselling Service

10/10/2026

Research supporting the benefits of time spent in nature for children’s physical and mental health

08/09/2026

The benefits of involving horses into therapy

We’re pleased to share a new article from Dr Janet L. Jones, neuroscientist, author and previous guest speaker for Animal Therapies Ltd.

In her latest Psychology Today article, “The Rise of Equine-Assisted Therapy,” Dr Jones explores why horses are increasingly being incorporated into therapeutic practice and what may make the human–horse relationship particularly valuable.

The article considers the horse’s sensitivity to human body language and emotion, and how working alongside horses may support areas such as trust, communication, emotional regulation, attention and confidence.

An important part of this conversation is recognising the role of the animal within professional practice.

When appropriately selected and prepared horses are incorporated into evidence-based services by qualified practitioners working within their professional scope of practice, they can provide another way to facilitate engagement and support therapeutic goals.

It is wonderful to see a previous ATL guest speaker continuing to contribute to this important conversation.

Read Dr Jones’ article:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/horse-brain-human-brain/202608/the-rise-of-equine-assisted-therapy

10/08/2026

This systematic review looked at neurological and physiological mechanisms underlying Animal Assisted Interventions including equine assisted therapy . The studies used evidence from neuroimaging, EEG and peripheral biomarkers.

New Research Explains How Animal-Assisted Services Work

A newly published review in Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology shifts the focus from asking whether Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) work to understanding how they work biologically.

The review brings together current evidence showing that positive interactions with animals are associated with:

• Reduced cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone)
• Increased oxytocin, which supports bonding, trust and social connection
• Activation of the brain’s reward pathways
• Improved communication between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, supporting emotional regulation
• Reduced physiological stress responses

Importantly, the authors propose an integrated neurobiological framework that helps explain why incorporating animals into professional service delivery may enhance emotional regulation, strengthen therapeutic relationships and improve engagement with treatment.

This research is particularly valuable for healthcare organisations, policymakers and funding bodies, as it provides a biological explanation for the growing evidence supporting Animal-Assisted Services. It also reinforces the importance of delivering AAS within evidence-based practice, by appropriately qualified professionals, while maintaining high standards of animal welfare.

Read the research here:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666497626000317

22/06/2026

Research is validating what I see in therapy sessions that involve my horses

A newly published 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis has found that animal-assisted services can play a valuable role in supporting children with ADHD.

While the review found limited evidence that animal-assisted services directly reduce core ADHD symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, researchers identified several important benefits:

✅ Increased engagement and motivation in therapy
✅ Improved social interaction and participation
✅ Enhanced emotional regulation
✅ Stronger therapeutic relationships and treatment adherence

The findings suggest that animals can act as powerful therapeutic partners, helping children engage more effectively in evidence-based services and achieve better outcomes.

As the research continues to grow, animal-assisted therapy is increasingly being recognised as a valuable approach that supports children’s social, emotional, and behavioural development.

Read the research here:
https://www.scienceopen.com/document?vid=3c512a0c-eaf6-484b-ba40-27580ebddc39

02/03/2026

There are so many benefits working outside the 4 walls of a consulting room

New Research Highlights the Power of Animal-Assisted Therapy

A recent study has reinforced what we see every day at ATL — animal-assisted therapies can have a meaningful, positive impact on autistic children’s development.

The research highlights improvements in:

- Social skills and communication
- Anxiety reduction and emotional regulation
- Emotional wellbeing
- Engagement and motivation

Animal-assisted therapy provides a safe, supportive environment where children can build confidence, connection, and regulation skills — often in ways that feel more natural and less clinical.

At ATL, we are committed to improving the accessibility to evidence-informed, compassionate therapy that supports children and families to thrive.

You can learn more here:

https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/68630?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQEaldleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeVsr5DU3rCGJAm1KMBUKd6tvP5AjjjaSj7hsS-eUTKa8x-zwhH2xqBUYrRgo_aem_bATlqKerJQVoKBrh5v8mnQ

24/12/2025

Wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas from the team. See you in 2026

22/09/2025

A recent Australian study showing the benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy for children

A new Australian study reveals that equine-assisted therapy could help address the growing mental health crisis among children.

17/07/2025

Great podcast which discusses the benefits that horses can bring to a therapy session

Podcast Alert! A new Australian study is shining the spotlight on the healing power of horses, revealing that equine-assisted therapy could help address the growing mental health crisis among children.

As childhood mental illness rates spiral, compounded by lengthy waiting times for counsellors and the limitations of many conventional treatments, some social workers are turning to horses for the answer.

University of South Australia researchers have captured the lived experiences of 10 social workers and mental health practitioners delivering equine-assisted therapy (EET) to children. Their findings have recently been published in the Journal of Social Work Practice.

https://animaltherapiesltdpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

25/06/2025

We all need to ask for help sometimes

15/04/2025

Great day in “the office” today. Such beautiful weather