Ris Vanfleet

About the Author

Ris Vanfleet is a renowned psychologist and certified play therapist with over four decades of experience in child and family therapy. Holding a Ph.D. in counseling psychology, she has dedicated her career to harnessing the healing power of animals in therapeutic settings, particularly through innovative play-based approaches. As the founder of the Family Enhancement and Play Therapy Center in Pennsylvania, Vanfleet has trained thousands of professionals worldwide in animal-assisted interventions. Her work bridges psychology, animal behavior, and creative play to foster emotional growth and resilience in children facing trauma, anxiety, and behavioral challenges. A sought-after speaker and consultant, she continues to advance the field with evidence-based practices that emphasize compassion and connection.