Animal Assisted Therapy Course

Based on clinical observations and data from existing studies, researchers have suggested that repeated interaction with a companion animal could have beneficial long-term effects. The purpose of animal assisted therapy (AAT) is to strengthen, support and help people to live rewarding and healthy lives. This course examines the benefits of AAT, the way in which animals can provide social support, and the relationship between animals and humans. You will understand the way in which an animal is chosen and trained, and the way in which a client is screened for suitability for AAT work. You will also learn how to devise programmes and how to use solution-focused therapy in order to help a wide range of people.

Syllabus
Lesson One
The History and Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy
History
The Human-Animal Connection
The Risks of Animal Assisted Therapy
The Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy
Lesson Two
The Differences between Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted Therapy/ Social Support
Animal Assisted Activities
Animal Assisted Therapy
Social Support through Animal Relationships
The Benefits of Therapy Animals
Lesson Three
Selecting an Animal for Therapy Work
Therapy Dogs
Testing Puppies
Testing Older Dogs
Canine Culture
Lesson Four
Selecting an Animal for Therapy Work (Continued)/ Training an Animal for Therapy Work
Therapy Cats
Therapy Horses
Small Therapy Animals
Socialisation
Touch Desensitisation
Obedience Training
Special Skills
Lesson Five
Client Screening/ Standards of Practice and Care/ AAT Counselling Techniques/ Designing and Implementing AAT Programmes
Informed Consent
Using AAT in the Counselling Session
Rules for Guiding AAT Programmes
Lesson Six
Using Animals as Part of Solution-focused Therapy
AAT and Solution-focused Therapy
Problem-solving versus Solution-building
The Goals of AAT and Solution-focused Therapy
Purposeful Interventions
Example of an AAT Intervention
Lesson Seven
Structuring an AAT Session/ AAT with Children
Relational Techniques
Animal Assisted Interventions
Cultural Differences in Attitudes towards Animals
Play Therapy
School-based Programmes
Lesson Eight
Working with Older People and Special Populations/ Creating a Successful AAT Programme
Adolescents
Adults
Elderly Clients
Substance Abusers
Victims of Violence
Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development
General Welfare Considerations
Practical training
No practical training is required to complete this course.

Based on clinical observations and data from existing studies, researchers have suggested that repeated interaction with a companion animal could have beneficial long-term effects. The purpose of animal assisted therapy (AAT) is to strengthen, support and help people to live rewarding and healthy lives. This course examines the benefits of AAT, the way in which animals can provide social support, and the relationship between animals and humans. You will understand the way in which an animal is chosen and trained, and the way in which a client is screened for suitability for AAT work. You will also learn how to devise programmes and how to use solution-focused therapy in order to help a wide range of people.

Syllabus
Lesson One
The History and Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy
History
The Human-Animal Connection
The Risks of Animal Assisted Therapy
The Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy
Lesson Two
The Differences between Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted Therapy/ Social Support
Animal Assisted Activities
Animal Assisted Therapy
Social Support through Animal Relationships
The Benefits of Therapy Animals
Lesson Three
Selecting an Animal for Therapy Work
Therapy Dogs
Testing Puppies
Testing Older Dogs
Canine Culture
Lesson Four
Selecting an Animal for Therapy Work (Continued)/ Training an Animal for Therapy Work
Therapy Cats
Therapy Horses
Small Therapy Animals
Socialisation
Touch Desensitisation
Obedience Training
Special Skills
Lesson Five
Client Screening/ Standards of Practice and Care/ AAT Counselling Techniques/ Designing and Implementing AAT Programmes
Informed Consent
Using AAT in the Counselling Session
Rules for Guiding AAT Programmes
Lesson Six
Using Animals as Part of Solution-focused Therapy
AAT and Solution-focused Therapy
Problem-solving versus Solution-building
The Goals of AAT and Solution-focused Therapy
Purposeful Interventions
Example of an AAT Intervention
Lesson Seven
Structuring an AAT Session/ AAT with Children
Relational Techniques
Animal Assisted Interventions
Cultural Differences in Attitudes towards Animals
Play Therapy
School-based Programmes
Lesson Eight
Working with Older People and Special Populations/ Creating a Successful AAT Programme
Adolescents
Adults
Elderly Clients
Substance Abusers
Victims of Violence
Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development
General Welfare Considerations
Practical training
No practical training is required to complete this course.