Animal Assisted Therapy Course

Course overview

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.

Prerequisites

You do not need to have any additional qualifications before studying this course.

Level

On successful completion of this course you will have received professional training at level 3. This is ideal if you wish to start a practice, or expand a career. Graduates of this course wishing to start their own practice can also obtain professional liability insurance. It has also been endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme and graduates will receive the QLS Certificate of Achievement as above. This course has been designed by BSY to meet specific learners’ and/or employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications. The Quality Licence Scheme, endorses high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes.

Certification

On successful completion students will receive dual awards: Award 1- The professional BSY Animal Assisted Therapy Diploma and will become a Registered BSY Animal Assisted Therapy Practitioner.

Award 2- Certificate of achievement at QLS Level 3 from Quality Licence Scheme. Registration through BSY is essential with this course.

How the course works

This course is delivered online or via mixed study*.

Online study

Upon enrolment you receive your first course lessons via our unique online learning platform providing you with the learning resources you need to complete the course.

You can study in your own time, at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home. You will be able to progress through your course whenever and wherever you wish – all you need is access to the internet, and a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone.

If you have any questions, or would like feedback or encouragement about your course or your studies then you can contact our friendly tutors by phone, email or post.

At the end of each lesson are a set of questions. Completing these can aid your learning and help you master each step before moving on to the next. Your next lesson will then be provided for you to continue when it suits you. This allows us to continually assess understanding and competence of the subject.

Having progressed through each lesson you can take your final examination at home, and at a date and time that suits you. Then, on successful completion of final examination, you will be awarded both your BSY Diploma and QLS Level 3 Certificate of Achievement.

Additional study options

Mixed Study

As part of your enrolment onto this course you will receive access to our unique online platform which will provide you with online access to your course materials – making them easy to access on-the-go.

Once logged on, you can also request to have the materials supplied in printed format for you to keep, make notes and use for future reference.

*Mixed study option is available to request from within the online platform, a small one-off fee is payable to cover printing and postage costs.

Support

Your tutor will mark your lessons, giving valuable, constructive feedback - helping you to master each step before moving on to the next. You can contact them for support or advice throughout your studies.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.