Animal Assisted Therapy
MAKING A CONNECTION
Animals offer affection and unlike humans they are non-judgemental. The purpose of AAT is to strengthen, support and help people to live rewarding and healthy lives.
Making a connection physically and mentally with animals is both relaxing and stimulating. Particularly beneficial for those that find communication or relaxation a challenge.
Animal Assisted Therapy
BOOK PRIVATE SESSIONS
At Sarah May Animal Assisted Therapy sessions include one to ones, small family groups, small groups of school aged children, including sessions for home educated children. All carried out on site in New Milton.
The session times vary between 1 and 2 hours including simple activities. This aids the sessions and helps build confidence and self worth.
WHAT IS COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, relationship problems and low self esteem.
CBT is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. In CBT the therapist and the client work together to modify the patterns of thinking and behaviour that are maintaining the problem.
CBT differs from other therapies because sessions have a structure rather than the person talking freely about whatever comes to mind.
CBT improves mental wellness and overall quality of life in most clients.
A CBT course usually takes place between 8 and 15 weekly or fortnightly sessions with each session lasting up to 60 minutes.
Who am I?
Hello, I am Sarah May, I am a qualified animal assisted therapy practitioner and a cognitive behavioural therapist. I enjoy living in the New Forest, Hampshire with my Husband and a variety of pets including dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens. I have always had a passion for animals, especially Spaniels and have rehomed rabbits for 30 years now.
I love our wildlife and garden. I enjoy nothing more than sitting in our 'Happy Hut' listening to the birds, surrounded by my animals. A great way to relax with a cuppa and hounds by my side.
I have been lucky in my career to have worked with Foundation stage children in pre-school settings and a speech and language unit in New Milton. I gained an Ofsted recognised qualification level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care. I have always valued the gift of animals and decided to study for a Diploma and I am now a certified Animal assisted therapy and activities practitioner, passing with distinction and what better way to use these wonderful experiences than together!
I decided to study again and become a cognitive behavioural therapist as I could see how the animals helped so many clients….I thought if I could add more to our unique setting, it would be worth it! Whether it be stress, anxiety, low mood or lack of confidence – we can help with strategies to help with the challenges that get thrown our way in life. We can help deal with the up's and down's in a more positive way by breaking them down into smaller parts.
We hold our CBT sessions in our garden with or without the animals – that is completely your choice – but the happy hut and myself will always welcome you with a smile – Fin too – if required.
Meet Some of our Furry & Feathered Friends
Friendly Finley
I'll look out for you. I'll give you the warmest and most gentle cuddles you could possibly dream of.
Wonderful Winnie
I'll lay you an egg, my sisters will too. I'll eat treats from your hand and let you tickle my feathers.
Floofy BonBon
I am the floofiest of all the rabbits, I am softer than the clouds. I'll melt your heart with cuteness.
Cookie Cuddles
I like to sunbath and popcorn around with my herd of sisters. I think I am the cutest Cookie in town!
WOW! You really do love my fur/feather babies! Please be aware we are fully booked for the foreseeable future! Feel free to enquire or to be added to a waiting list.