Animal-Assisted Therapy and the Healing Power of Pets

Nov. 10, 2015 - PRLog -- This is the first course in a three part series and includes the story of Deirdre Rand’s journey with her animal companions and the lessons learned from the challenges and rewards of those relationships. Also discussed are temperament, socialization and training; the role of the neurohormone oxytocin in strengthening the human-companion animal bond; the founding of the three major organizations which register volunteer handler/therapy teams, along with the contributions of key historic figures in developing animal-assisted therapy as we know it today; examples of animal-assisted interventions with dogs, cats and other animals; and attributes of a great therapy animal and a great handler.

Learning Objectives

1. Distinguish between a dog’s temperament and factors over which humans have more control

2. List three research-based benefits of human-animal interactions

3. Identify key historic figures who fought for the widespread recognition of AAT as we know it today

4. Utilize animal stories and metaphors to enhance rapport, insight, and behavior change in psychotherapy

5. Identify at least four attributes of a great therapy animal and a great therapy handler

6. Distinguish between “Animal-Assisted Therapy” and "Animal-Assisted Activities"

Professional Development Resources is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists; the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP #5590); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB #1046, ACE Program); the Florida Boards of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling (#BAP346) and Psychology & School Psychology (#50-1635); the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & MFT Board (#RCST100501); the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors & MFTs (#193); and the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists (#114) and State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678).

Click Here and Learn More About This Course: https://www.pdresources.org/course/index/6/1254/Animal-As...