Who is this training for?

This workshop is open to people interested in animal assisted therapy, animal assisted learning, referral agencies, mental health clinicians, professionals considering training, and the general public wanting a comprehensive introduction to this innovative, growing field of practice. This is an in-person workshop where participants learn through experiencing a taste of AAL and AAP and are introduced to knowledge in the field of equine assisted practice.

Please note – The Aware Therapy Model™ approach to Animal Assisted Practice does not involve training ‘therapy animals’ or issuing licenses to specific animals. You will learn more about our approach to including a variety of species in your work during the training.

How is the training delivered?

This is an in-person workshop where participants learn through experiencing a taste of AAP and AAL and be introduced to knowledge in the field of animal assisted practice.

What are the Learning Objectives?

•  Gain an understanding of Animal Assisted Psychotherapy as both an emerging and powerful clinical practice – for Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, registered Counsellors and Psychotherapists
• Gain an understanding of Animal Assisted Learning – an innovative modality supporting social-emotional leaning, personal development, and, professional development (i.e. team building and leadership).
• Learn the history of the field of AAT
• Develop an understanding of why and how animals are included in clinical practice and experiential learning
• Learn what AAP/AAL looks like ‘in the field’
• The Aware Therapy Model™ approach to AAP/AAL
• The unique benefits of animals as change agents
• The unique benefits of different individuals and species as change agents • Animal Wisdom Psycho-education
• Experience an AAP/AAL taster – participate in or observe a demonstration session to enhance understanding
• Get questions answered by experienced and knowledgeable trainer and practitioners, who are both experienced animal-people trained in animal assisted practice and passionate about the work.

What is the Investment?

Workshop Fee: $297 (includes tea/coffee)

Why Train with Us?

We are uniquely placed as the first comprehensive Australian model of equine assisted practice - EAP (psychotherapy) and EAL (experiential learning) - since 2011. Our sister branch Animal Assisted Psychotherapy International has set a high bar for Animal Assisted Treatment - psychotherapy (AAP) and Animal Assisted Education - psycho-social learning (AAL) education and Training. Founder Meg Kirby is co-author of a recent peer-reviewed published article on best practice terminology recommendations for the international Animal Assisted Services sector of research and practice.

Celebrating our 13th year of training in equine assisted practice, animal assisted therapy and ecotherapy, we are an established private training organisation with an international reputation for excellence, high professional standards, and advocates for animal welfare, wellbeing and enrichment protocols.