Lovingway Farm Animal-Assisted Therapy is a unique mental health practice located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, led by licensed clinical social worker and animal-assisted therapy specialist Laura Sanders, LMSW, ACSW. Operating from Lovingway Farm, the program integrates evidence-based psychotherapy with meaningful interactions involving horses and other farm animals to support emotional healing, trauma recovery, personal growth, and mental wellness. Laura Sanders has more than three decades of clinical experience and is recognized for her innovative approach to incorporating animals into therapeutic work.
The practice provides a welcoming farm environment where clients can engage in experiential therapy alongside horses, miniature horses, donkeys, goats, rabbits, pigs, dogs, cats, chickens, and other animals. Through these interactions, participants develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, resilience, communication skills, and healthier relationships while experiencing the therapeutic benefits of human-animal connections.
About This Program
Lovingway Farm specializes in Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Equine-Assisted Therapy, combining traditional psychotherapy approaches with experiential interactions involving animals. Sessions are designed to help clients process trauma, manage anxiety and depression, improve self-esteem, strengthen relationships, and develop coping skills in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. Animals often serve as therapeutic partners, helping clients gain insights that may be difficult to achieve through traditional office-based counseling alone.
Laura Sanders incorporates a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches into her work, including trauma recovery methods, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), relational therapy, art therapy, play therapy, and animal-assisted interventions. The farm setting allows clients to engage with animals in ways that encourage mindfulness, emotional expression, trust-building, and personal growth.
Services Offered
- Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)
- Equine-Assisted Therapy
- Trauma recovery counseling
- Individual psychotherapy
- Relationship-focused therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Art therapy integration
- Play therapy techniques
- Experiential psychotherapy
- Anxiety and depression support
- Self-esteem and confidence development
- Emotional regulation skill building
- Mindfulness-based therapeutic activities
- Human-animal relationship interventions
- Professional education and training opportunities
Who They Serve
Lovingway Farm Animal-Assisted Therapy may be good for:
- Children
- Adolescents
- Young adults
- Adults
- Trauma survivors
- Individuals recovering from abuse
- Individuals experiencing anxiety
- Individuals experiencing depression
- Individuals facing relationship challenges
- Individuals seeking alternative therapy approaches
- Clients interested in experiential psychotherapy
- Individuals working on self-esteem and confidence
- People seeking personal growth and emotional healing
Facility and Setting
Lovingway Farm is a working farm located near Ann Arbor, Michigan. The property provides a peaceful, nature-based environment where therapy takes place among a diverse group of animals. Horses, miniature horses, donkeys, goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, dogs, and cats all play a role in the therapeutic process, creating opportunities for connection, reflection, and experiential learning.
The farm’s natural setting encourages clients to step away from traditional office environments and engage in hands-on experiences that foster emotional awareness and healing. Animals are carefully integrated into sessions in ways that prioritize both client well-being and animal welfare.
What Makes Them Unique
Lovingway Farm stands out for its innovative use of multiple animal species within a therapeutic setting. While many equine-assisted programs focus exclusively on horses, Laura Sanders has developed a model that incorporates a wide variety of farm animals, creating individualized therapeutic experiences tailored to each client’s needs and comfort level.
Another distinguishing feature is Laura Sanders’ extensive professional background. With more than 30 years of clinical experience, university-level teaching experience, and specialized training in animal-assisted interventions, she brings a depth of knowledge and expertise that has helped position Lovingway Farm as a unique resource within Michigan’s mental health community.