Introduction to Best Practices in Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling: Provider Competence, Ethics, and Techniques

Animal assisted therapy in counseling (AAT-C) is the incorporation of specially trained and evaluated animals as therapeutic agents into the counseling process, thus utilizing the human-animal bond in goal directed interventions as part of the counseling process. While this specialty area remains relatively under represented in counseling literature, existing studies have found that when practiced with appropriate training and expertise, AAT-C interventions can positively impact the therapeutic experiences of a diverse range of client populations across a wide variety of treatment settings. In this webinar, the presenter will introduce theoretical foundations of AAT-C, discuss provider competence, identify relevant ethical considerations including animal advocacy and multicultural considerations, and address practical aspects and techniques associated with incorporating AAT-C in a professional counseling context. This is an introductory level workshop that is intended to help interested professionals develop a plan for implementing AAT into their clinical practice. A live therapy animal may be included for demonstrations if appropriate based on animal welfare considerations.

4 hour workshop

Thursday, January 25th - 1PM to 5PM; $85 pre-registration, $110 at the door