Description:
OPD Points: 10
Learn how to implement Animal Assisted Therapy in your practiceCreated and facilitated by Anita Geary – experienced Animal Assisted Therapist and Committee Member of Animal Therapies Limited.Animal Assisted Therapy is an evidence-based modality with studies showing that when skilfully integrated into client sessions it:Improves outcomes and promotes client engagementEnhances client experiences of trust and safety in sessionsBuilds rapport and relationship with the therapist more rapidly to enable a more efficient therapeutic allianceKeeps the client focused on the present moment to enable the exploration of long-standing issues that may be too painful to discuss without an animal presentProvides an experience of unconditional support and acceptance that can be difficult for clients in a vulnerable state of mind to seek out from other human beings And so much more…This self-paced online course will provide all the information you need to understand:How Animal Assisted Therapy worksWhat you need to consider before going down the certification pathway, andHow to practically implement Animal Assisted Therapy in your work.The course includes video content as well as additional readings and role plays, so that you can learn all you need to know before taking the leap into certification and practice.You will also have access to myself, Course Creator and experienced Animal Assisted Therapist, Anita Geary ( via email), to answer any questions you may have.
Key Learning Objectives / Outcomes:
There are 7 modules in this course, each set for self paced learning with the overall time required to complete the training to be aroudn 6 hours. Inside the course you will find: WelcomeIntroduction to Animal Assisted WorkHistory and definitions of practiceClient benefits from including dogs in education and therapyAnimal Ethics, Welfare and SafetyEthical obligations for AAT PractitionersPractitioner Code of ConductAnimal welfareDog behaviour, body language and safetySelecting the right animalClient agreement and safetyAnimal Assisted TherapyEvidence-based benefitsCommon treatment goals supported through AATAAT and attachmentAnimal Assisted PsychotherapyAnimal Assisted Play TherapyAnimal Assisted EducationAAE in more depthAAE researchDogs in the classroomAAT in Action (with role plays)Practice examplesSafetyZones of RegulationImproving regulationSelf esteem and confidenceSocial skills buildingMindful touchTrick trainingSharing and processing “worries”Wrap UpCertification and training optionsWrap up
Presenter / Provider:
Anita Geary
Presenter Qualifications:
Anita Geary is an experienced Animal Assisted Therapist, based in Wodonga, Victoria. A committee member of Animal Therapies Limited (ATL), Anita has been recognised for her ongoing contribution to the development of the profession in Australia, and in 2023, she presented at the ATL conference (Brisbane), on the use of AAT when working with clients who have experienced interpersonal trauma.In her role as Lead Therapist (ACA Registered Counsellor & AASW Accredited Mental Health Social Worker) at Insight Therapies Counselling and Consultancy, Anita combines quality therapy with her fully trained and certified therapy dogs Bacardi and Kaluah, to engage her clients by delivering a therapeutic team of self, client and therapy dog.Anita first began the process of AAT certification for both herself and her then 3-year-old Labrador Bacardi, in 2019, after noticing a natural longing for Bacardi to offer comfort to others. Anita recognised that these innate skills demonstrated by Bacardi, when combined with her experience of working successfully with adults and children who have experienced trauma, could offer children, young people and adults a meaningful and highly valuable therapeutic experience.Since the beginning of Insight Therapies Counselling and Consultancy in early 2020, Bacardi’s daughter Kaluah has also completed her certification and now joins the team with her gentle nature and her willingness to share her calm to promote positive emotional experiences for those who work with her.
