WHAT IS ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY?: An Overview for Everyone Curious about this type of Therapy

Carol and Kaya

An Introduction To

Animal Assisted

Therapy and Psychotherapy

CAROL TANNEN, MSW, LCSW

What is Animal Assisted Therapy?

Copyright © 2019 Carol Tannen, MSW, LCSW

Cover by www.Delaney-Designs.com

What is Animal Assisted Therapy,

Animals Bring Change, and Pet HONOR Rings available at:

www.DaleDesigns.net

ISBN: 978-1-0878620-2-6 (e-book)

Horses, Dogs, and Cats are part of the Therapy Team

Other animals can also be part of the team…

The snake and rat are big hits!

Table of Contents

Prologue

Introduction

What are the differences between Equine/ Pet Therapy, Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy?

Will I be riding a horse or staying on the ground?

Therapy Animals

The Therapy Process

Addressing Fear of Animals

Client Benefits

Corporate Benefits

Planning a Session… Coming up with Ideas

Examples

How can I find a Therapist?

How can I become a Provider?

Personal Stories from Clients… The Impact of Pets

From the Pet’s Perspective

Conclusion

The Staff at Animals Bring Change

Staff Photos

About the Author

Prologue

Iam a pet lover and the founder of Animals Bring Change , a provider of Animal Assisted Therapies. I was introduced to the world of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in 2010 through a companion at the barn where I board my horse. She had started a program for Equine Assisted Therapy and was working with children with special needs as well as adults with anxieties, eating disorders and addiction issues. She was certified by an organization that is a leader in the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and shared her knowledge and training with me. I joined her in providing therapy sessions and learned how valuable this modality can be. When she eventually moved away, I worked with another certified Equine Therapist and learned even more about the benefits of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. In order to continue providing this very special therapy, I founded Animals Bring Change: The ABC’s of personal growth through Equine and Pet Assisted Psychotherapy .

My horse, Kaya, has been my primary animal co-therapist. At times, I have also brought in other horses of various sizes and temperaments based on the activity I have planned for a particular session.

Through the years, I have also worked with other mental health, special education and nursing professionals. Each one has their unique skills and perspectives to contribute and I have found that there is always something new to learn.

One day, after an Equine Therapy Group with an addiction center, the Director asked me if I could offer Canine Therapy at their inpatient facility. I said yes and that was the beginning of my Pet Assisted Psychotherapy Program. I initially brought my dog, Bandit, to their inpatient facility. With Bandit as my co-therapist, we offered Pet Assisted Group Therapy that we structured similarly to the Equine program.

When I got another dog, Maggie, she joined our team. She added another dimension to the sessions by having two dogs with very different personalities

A short time later, I rescued 2 kittens, brothers