Animal assisted therapy

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A, Special to The Times
April 27 2007

Question: I have been bringing my dog to visit with residents at a nursing home. I can see how therapeutic it is for the residents, and know that research has been done on the benefits of using animals in treatment. For example, I read an article about a psychological study that showed that animal-assisted therapy significantly reduced anxiety in hospitalized psychiatric patients. How can I gain specific training that will allow me to have a career as a pet therapist.
— Taylor

Response: The title of the job in which you are interested is called Animal Assisted Therapist. While animal assisted activities are often volunteer positions, it is possible to secure paid employment using dogs, horses (equine assisted therapy), and other animals.

To be an animal assisted therapist, you must have a background in social work, counseling, or recreational therapy. You will then need to complete specific training to integrate animals into a treatment program. Those with backgrounds in nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy may also use animals for treating physical problems.

Further, Equine-Assisted psychotherapy (EAP) programs use horses to facilitate treatment and foster emotional growth and learning with at-risk youth and disabled populations.

Job Description
Animal assisted therapists plan, organize, and direct therapy programs with animals for patients in hospitals and other institutions. Like other therapists, animal assisted therapists customize the content of a treatment program in accordance with a patient's capabilities, needs and interests, and assess the progress of the patient.

The goal of animal assisted therapy is to help people recover from or adjust to mental, physical, emotional, or social problems through recreational activities. In physical or occupational therapy goals may include improving patients' range of motion, strength and endurance, balance and mobility and sensation.

Animal assisted therapy sessions can also address cognitive and perceptual deficits. Psychosocial benefits such as building rapport, increasing self-esteem, motivation, and stress reduction can also result from treatment.

Animal assisted therapists need to have the ability to recognize animal stress and be familiar with infection control and liability issues.

Education/Training Options
People who wish to work as an Animal-Assisted Therapy Specialist must first complete education and licensing in their field of choice (nursing, social work, counseling, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or recreational therapy). Many of these fields require a master's degree.

Courses specific to integrating animals into treatment plans and certification in animal-assisted therapy are offered through the following:

Animal Behavior Institute (ABI): 1-866-755-0448; www.animaledu.com; Email: support@animaledu.com

Online courses in animal-assisted therapy and certification are offered through this institution. Courses include The Human-Animal Bond, Practical Psychology, Animal Training, and Animal Behavior. The cost is $250 per course.

Delta Society: 875 - 124th Ave NE #101; Bellevue, WA 98005-2531; Contact: Jack Barron, Jr. 310-206-2127

Delta Society offers training for health and human service professionals on such topics as client assessment, AAT techniques, documentation, and evaluation. On June 30, 2007, a Pet Partners Team Training Course will be offered on the UCLA campus.

University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work: www.du.edu; Contact: Lori Klumb; Phone: 303-871-7462; Email: lklumb@du.edu

This Graduate School of Social Work offers an online professional development certificate and courses in Animals and Human Health (AHH) for those with a bachelor's degree in any field or equivalent experience/training. The program focuses on therapeutic applications of human-animal interaction. Students learn how animal-assisted interventions can help patients. The total cost for this certificate program is $1,495.

The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA): Toll Free (in U.S.): (877) 858-4600; Phone: (801) 754-0400; Fax: (801) 754-0401; equine@eagala.org

EAGALA is a non-profit organization that offers certification in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Requirements include completing two three-day training sessions focusing on theory and beginning application, skills, competence, and professionalism. Training is offered internationally and the total cost of training is $1,150. Their annual conference will take place March 12-15, 2008 in Utah and the cost to attend is $300.

Job Resources
The following are local outpatient and day programs that utilize equine assisted therapy:

All Ways Recovery, Inc.: 195 South Beverly Drive, Suite 408; Beverly Hills, CA 90212; www.allwaysrecovery.com; Contact: Marie-Doree Lambert, 1-800-995-PEACE; EAGALA Certified, Level 1

This organization specializes in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, their network of professionals from different fields address addiction, ADHD, trauma, depression, anxiety, co-dependency, anger management, eating disorders, grief, self-abuse and other mental health issues. They have locations in Topanga, Beverly Hills, and Malibu.

BIG Heart Ranch: P.O. Box 1003; Malibu, CA 90265; 818-470-2013; Contact: Suzi Landolphi, MFTI; suzi@bigheartranch.org; www.bigheartranch.org

This is a non-profit sanctuary where humans and animals interact and heal. Services include Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for the treatment of addiction, PTSD, ADHD, Bipolar, depression, anxiety, co-dependency, and other co-occurring issues. "Co-facilitators" include three rescued Thoroughbreds and a Delta Certified Therapy Dog.

Epiphany EAP: Los Angeles, CA 90027; 413-627-9212; www.EpiphanyEAP.com; Contact: Rachel Pray, Equine Specialist

Experienced horse professionals partner with licensed therapists to provide outpatient consultations and personalized sessions for individuals, families and groups. The emphasis is on family and parenting issues, mindfulness-based trauma and stress reduction, and feminist therapy.

Horse Sense for Humanity: Interactive Psychotherapy: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; Marguerite J. Doumak, M.A., MFT, 310-519-0897; Carolyn A. Bojorquez, M.A., MFT, 310-547-5999

This resource provides outpatient family sessions, individual sessions, group exercises, and team building for organizations.

WorkU Counseling Services: South Pasadena Stables; 307 San Pascual Ave.; South Pasadena, CA 91030; 626-786-1019; www.WorkU.org

This resource provides outpatient treatment for couples, family and children. Non-verbal communication, boundary, problem solving, creative thinking, and teamwork are examples of skills developed through EAP activities.

Salary
Earnings of animal-assisted therapists vary depending on the educational background and work environment of the therapist.

In Los Angeles, entry-level recreational therapists /marriage and family therapists earn an annual salary of $30,000 to $42,000. Entry-level physical/occupational therapists earn an annual salary of approximately $40,000 to $58,000.

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Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.

E-mail career questions you'd like answered in this column to info@californiacareerservices.com or visit California Career Services at www.californiacareerservices.com.