Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal Assisted Therapy
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. • 6.0 C.E. Hours
COURSE DESCRIPTION Attention animal lovers, this course is for you! Animals have served the needs of their human companions for thousands of years. Increased understanding of the inherent value in the human-animal bond has prompted the medical and educational communities, over the past few decades, to research and utilize an adjunct treatment modality presently known as Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). The use of AAT as an aspect of treatment has been found to facilitate spontaneous expression of emotion, increased socialization, enhanced functional abilities, improved self-esteem, diversion from pain, and improved quality of life during hospitalization and rehabilitation. The significance of companion animals in the everyday lives of people is just now being understood. Research studies over the past decades have demonstrated that pet companionship appeared influential in reducing feelings of isolation and stress in their owners. Furthermore, some studies have reported that pets can enhance the therapeutic milieu and social well-being of humans. This introductory course will provide an overview of AAT, a rationale of why clinicians may find animals therapeutically beneficial as adjuncts in the therapeutic process, and how mental health professionals can incorporate AAT into their practices (especially with children).
TESTIMONIALS Your seminar was such a pleasure! I said on my eval, simply, that it was the best CEU course I'd ever attended. It was rich--your stories were so engaging and informative, your heart for what you're doing was inspiring, and your kindness to animals and people was much felt. I'm so glad I was there!--Maribeth Ekey, Ph.D., February 27, 2005 I attended your seminar today and just wanted to thank you for such a heart-felt, spectacular presentation. I've never enjoyed a continuing education seminar as much as this one. Keep up the great work and keep teaching us!—Susan Vinograd, MFT, November 9, 2003 Dr. Fine's presentation was not only informative, it was also moving and touching. Thank you.—MFT, October 25, 2003
TOPICS • History of Animal Assisted Therapy • The Psychosocial Benefits of Companion Animals • The Health & Wellness Benefits of Companion Animals • Guidelines & Considerations in Selecting Animals for AAT • Best Practice Protocols for Specific Populations • Incorporating Animals in Outpatient Psychotherapy • Indications & Contraindications of AAT • Ethical Considerations of Using Animals in Therapy
GOALS At the conclusion of this program you should be better able to: • Understand the indications & contraindications of using AAT. • Recognize the psychosocial benefits of companion animals. • Utilize the best practice protocols for specific populations. • Understand the professional and ethical issues of using AAT. SPEAKER PROFILES
	Aubrey H. Fine, Ed.D. is a Psychologist (#PSY 9759) in private practice specializing in learning disorders and attention disorders where he incorporates AAT with his seven therapy animals which include dogs, birds, and a lizard. He is a Professor in the College of Education and Integrative Studies at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. He is the author of five books including The Handbook of Animal Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice and the forth-coming book entitled Life Lessons Through the Eyes of P.J. and Her Friends: The Therapy Animals. Additionally, he authored a chapter on Animal Assisted Therapy in the Encyclopedia of Psychotherapy. Dr. Fine and his animals have appeared on television specials about therapeutic animals. He has spoken nationally and internationally on incorporating animals in therapy, and the ethical implications of using therapy animals.