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Therapeutic Applications of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Mental Health Treatment
This course explores animal-assisted psychotherapy (AAP) theory and practice, focusing primarily on therapy dogs due to their prevalent role in volunteer and professional settings. The historical, theoretical, and practical dimensions of AAP are described so learners gain a foundational understanding of attachment theory, biophilia theory, and human-animal relational theory as they pertain to AAP. The course critically examines the efficacy of AAP through research, outlines challenges, and presents clinical applications across various psychological approaches. It also covers the selection and characteristics of successful therapy dogs, therapy dog registration, and the importance of pursuing advanced training for practitioners interested in integrating AAP into their practice.
This course will award 1 continuing education hour.
Please see the board approval box for course approvals.Course Objectives
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Analyze the foundational theoretical models that support Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP)—including attachment theory, biophilia hypothesis, and social support theory—and evaluate their clinical relevance in the development of therapeutic interventions.
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Evaluate the empirical efficacy and methodological challenges of Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy as reported in contemporary peer-reviewed literature to inform ethical, evidence-based integration into clinical practice.
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Apply current best practices in the selection, training, and handling of therapy animals—particularly canines—to strengthen the therapeutic alliance and optimize treatment outcomes in AAP-informed psychotherapy sessions.
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Assess client suitability for AAP through evidence-based psychological assessment tools, considering clinical indications, treatment goals, and potential contraindications.
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Integrate Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy techniques into individualized treatment plans for clients across various diagnostic categories, ensuring alignment with empirically supported intervention models.
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Critically examine the role of animal-assisted interventions in enhancing affect regulation, social engagement, and trauma processing within structured clinical protocols.
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Demonstrate competency in applying AAP interventions in simulated or supervised clinical scenarios, emphasizing treatment planning, therapeutic goal setting, and measurable outcome tracking.
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Identify ethical, cultural, and practical considerations in the implementation of AAP across diverse client populations, referencing current standards of care and professional guidelines.
Course Author
Board Approvals
National Approvals
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Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) (ACE)BaysideCEU.com, #1793, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. BaysideCEU.com maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 02/04/2024 – 02/04/2026. -
The Association For Addiction Professionals NAADACBayside Continuing Education and Development Provider Number 81892 is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider for educational credits. NAADAC Provider number 81892 is responsible for all aspects of the programming. -
The National Board For Certified Counselors NBCCBaysideCEU has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP #6098. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. BaysideCEU is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
State Approvals
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California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals CCAPPProvider approved by CCAPP-EI, Provider # OS-21-336-0623 -
Florida Board of CSW, MFT, MHCFlorida Board of CSW, MFT, MHC Provider Number 726 -
Florida Board of NursingProvider number NCE3508
Information
- Relevance: This course is intended for masters level professionals who work with individuals that could benefit from alternative treatments that include animal-assisted therapy as a means to build rapport, self-esteem and communication skills.
- Content Level: Intermediate
- Course Format: This course is offered as a self-paced distance learning format (reading-based online activity)
- System Requirements: This course is offered online. Internet connection required.
- Course Completion Information: To earn continuing education credit, professionals must register and pay the fee for the course. They must read the content and demonstrate understanding by earning a minimum score of 70 percent on testing materials. The certificate of completion will be able to be downloaded after the above is completed. Refunds will be granted upon request with the withdrawal of credit for the course. For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please call 866-863-4225 or email ContactUs@BaysideCEU.com.
- CEBroker Course ID: 1182602
- Credit Hours: 1
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This course is intended for masters level professionals who work with individuals that could benefit from alternative treatments that include animal-assisted therapy as a means to build rapport, self-esteem and communication skills.