top of page

Animal-Assisted Therapy

In collaboration with Scatter Joy Acres and AM Counseling & Consulting
IMG_5819.jpg

Welcome to animal-assisted therapy at Scatter Joy Acres — a place where healing happens through connection, compassion, and the calming presence of animals. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, or simply feeling stuck, our sessions blend evidence-based therapy with the grounding energy of animals to support emotional growth and personal transformation in a peaceful, natural setting.

My Passion

Hello, I'm Candice Sortino! I'm a PLMHP and Animal-Assisted Therapist. I’ve always felt a deep connection to both animals and people — and I truly believe in the power of that connection to heal. As a therapist and lifelong animal lover, I’ve seen how animals can reach people in ways words sometimes can’t. They offer comfort, presence, and a kind of understanding that’s hard to explain but easy to feel. My passion is creating a safe, welcoming space where individuals of all ages can slow down, reconnect, and experience healing through meaningful interactions with animals and nature. This work is more than a career to me — it’s a calling.

IMG_6935_edited.jpg

Set in a peaceful ranch environment, sessions invite clients to connect with a variety of animals—each offering their own kind of comfort and presence. Whether it’s brushing a goat, leading a horse, sitting quietly with a rabbit, or feeding chickens, these interactions create space for calm, trust, and emotional release. This unique approach supports mental health by building connection, increasing self-awareness, and fostering a sense of safety—laying the foundation for meaningful healing and personal growth.

Life-Changing Experiences

What people say about animal-assisted therapy

“I have complex PTSD and issues with anxiety and depression. I find coming here to be very therapeutic… I’m just hanging out and petting animals… and it’s a different type of processing.”

— Logan Selkirk, sharing how time with goats at New Village Farm provided emotional support through calm, non-verbal connection

Gallery

bottom of page