Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Collaborative Approach to Healing Abuse Victims

Trauma and abuse disorders affect millions; only half seek needed treatment. This paper introduces a transformative therapeutic model combining artificial intelligence (AI) with animal-assisted therapy (AAT). This collaborative approach focuses on optimizing recovery for survivors of domestic violence, childhood abuse, sexual assault, and veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). AI systems offer data-driven precision. They use machine learning and biosensor data to create personalized treatment plans and monitor progress between sessions. This technological edge provides high accuracy, with AI-enhanced interventions predicting PTSD outcomes with 77-87% accuracy. Horses and dogs in AAT—specifically equine-assisted therapy (EAT) and canine-assisted therapy (CAT)—facilitate deep healing. These animals promote physiological co-regulation and attachment repair through embodied therapeutic experiences. Evidence shows AAT significantly reduces PTSD symptoms. This model not only helps human clients but also supports rescue and retired animals. Therapy programs offer life-saving alternatives for thousands of retired racehorses each year. The combination of AI's analytical power, animals' emotional capacity, and the human therapist's expertise provides an accessible, effective path to healing trauma.