Animal-Assisted Therapy Group: Building Emotional Regulation
Supporting a child’s emotional regulation can feel complex, especially when big feelings or energy fluctuations impact daily routines, relationships, and learning. As parents, it’s natural to want to help your child manage their emotions more effectively—but knowing how to do so in a way that actually works can be challenging. That’s where we come in.
As occupational therapists, we understand that emotion regulation is a learned skill that develops through connection, practice, and the right environment. Our animal-assisted therapy group uses the calming and engaging presence of Summer, our therapy dog, to help children explore their own energy levels and develop practical strategies for regulation. Through guided play, movement, and interaction with Summer, children learn to notice how their body feels in different states, recognize energy levels in others, and identify what helps them feel “just right.”
How the group works
This 8-week program includes both child and parent components, with the first and final sessions designed for parents only.
- Week 1 (Virtual Parent Group):
Parents meet with the therapists to learn about the concepts and language that will be introduced to the children, including an overview of emotional regulation, the function of the brain, and the Autism Level Up “Energy Levels” framework. - Weeks 2–6 (Child Sessions):
Using animal-assisted activities with Summer, children will learn to identify and label energy levels—first in others, and then within themselves. They will explore what helps move their energy up or down and begin building personalized strategies for self-regulation. - Week 7 (Virtual Parent Group):
Parents will reconnect to review what their child has learned, explore how to continue supporting emotional regulation at home, and discuss the role of co-regulation in daily routines.
Cost
$95 per session X 7 sessions
As occupational therapists, we are here to support both children and parents in developing emotional awareness, connection, and tools for regulation that last well beyond the group sessions.
BLURB ON THE SIDE:
Each 50-minute session is led by an occupational therapist and her dog, Summer, and a therapy assistant or student volunteer.
Group size: minimum 3 children. Program dates are subject to change based on enrollment. (I added a minimum number of children-is this OK?)
Dates: Jan 8 (virtual caregiver session), Jan 15, Jan 22, Jan 29, Jan 12, Jan 19, Jan 26 (virtual caregiver session)
Time: 4:00-4:45 PM
Fee: $95 per session × 7 sessions
Pre-screening: Required for new participants to determine group readiness. This consists of a 30 minute virtual assessment (95$): 15 minutes with the child, and 15 minutes with the caregiver.
Please note: No refunds for missed sessions.
If you think your child may benefit from Animal-Assisted Occupational Therapy, please contact us at 647-526-0737 or email: Alexandra@torontoctc.ca
BIO – Ali Cooper OT Reg. (Ont)
Ali Cooper is a registered Occupational Therapist who began her career as a teacher, with a B.Ed. from McGill University. Her experience working in the education system ignited her passion to better support children, and led her to earn her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. Ali strives to help children with a wide variety of difficulties, including those that struggle with fine and gross motor, regulation, sensory processing, handwriting, and feeding skills. Ali’s background in teaching provides her with key insight to both the in-school and at-home needs of your child, and she has experience with direct and consultative therapy related to school, play, and self-care. Ali’s specialized training includes certification in Handwriting Without Tears, as well as experience with animal-assisted therapy (AAT), which involves incorporating animals into treatment sessions to motivate and engage clients to meet their goals. She also works with the University of Toronto’s Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy program as a preceptor and facilitator, enabling her to maintain a strictly evidence-based mode of practice.
Each 50-minute session is led by an occupational therapist and her dog, Summer, and a therapy assistant or student volunteer.
- Group size: minimum 3 children. Program dates are subject to change based on enrollment. (I added a minimum number of children-is this OK?)
- Dates: Jan 8 (virtual caregiver session), Jan 15, Jan 22, Jan 29, Jan 12, Jan 19, Jan 26 (virtual caregiver session)
- Time: 4:00-4:45 PM
- Fee: $95 per session × 7 sessions
- Pre-screening: Required for new participants to determine group readiness. This consists of a 30 minute virtual assessment (95$): 15 minutes with the child, and 15 minutes with the caregiver.
- No refunds for missed sessions.