Resources, Readings & Publications
Certifications and Referrals
University of Denver’s Animals and Human Health Certificate
An online certification program for professionals focusing on the human-animal bond; not specific to the mental health field.
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The nation’s largest organization for volunteer teams doing animal assisted activities. Pet Partners work is not specific to the mental health field but does provide evaluation and certification for therapy teams.
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Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado (PTDC)
Provides training & certification for mental health professionals and their therapy dogs.
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Human-Animal Bond in Colorado (HABIC)
A Colorado State University program that focuses on therapeutic benefits of companion animals. They provide evaluation and certification for human-animal therapy teams.
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Provides AATPC referrals and becoming a volunteer AAT team.
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Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Institute - Australia
Training and Certification in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Professional Organizations
American Psychological Association - Human-Animal Interaction Section
Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors
An international, non-profit professional membership organization whose mission is to promote scientific education in the field of applied companion animal behavior.
Animal Trainers
Jonteray Cain provides positive-based dog training for therapy dogs and other dogs
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Dog trainer, Pat Blocker works with a variety of canine behavior issues and is knowledgeable about therapy dog training.
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Barbara Weiss, a highly experienced dog trainer of thirty years, specializes in problem behavior and aggression.
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Provides behavioral training and assistance for animals with behavior problems.
Service Dogs
A nonprofit organization that rescues and trains dogs for individuals with various medical and psychiatric issues. They also have dogs for adoption who have not completed service dog training- our therapy dog Rupert is from FSD!
Important Articles for Clinicians
ACA Animal Assisted Therapy-Counseling Competencies:Based on the findings of a Qualitative Investigation of the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes Required of Competent Animal Assisted Therapy Practitioners, Authors Leslie A. Stewart Catherine Y. Chang Lindy K. Parker Natalie Grubbs. Major Contributors Amy Johnson Laura Bruneau
Working Like a Dog: Legal Considerations for "Therapy Dogs" Ann Tran-Lien, JD. The Therapist; September/October 2017
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AATPC Publications
Winston, E.K. (2015). Animal assisted psychotherapy in the healing of childhood depression. In S.L. Brooke & C.E. Myers (Eds.), The use of creative therapies in treating depression (291-309). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Ltd.
Winston, E.K. (2015). Animal assisted psychotherapy for grief and loss with children and adolescents. In S.L. Brooke &
D.A. Miraglia Myers (Eds.), Using the creative therapies to cope with grief and loss (373-391). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Ltd.
Recommended Reading
Butler, K. (2004). Therapy dogs today: Their gifts, our obligation. Norman, OK: Funpuddle Publishing.
Chandler, C. (2005). Animal assisted therapy in counseling. New York: Routledge.
Fine, A. (Ed.) (2006). Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice, Third
Edition. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
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Grover, S. (2010). 101 Creative ideas for animal assisted therapy. Motivational Press Inc.
Howie, A. R. (2008). The handler factor: Evaluating handlers for animal-assisted interactions programs: Human Animal Solutions
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King, L. M. (2002). Animal-assisted therapy: A guide for professional counselors, school counselors, social Workers, and educators. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse.
Levinson, B., & Mallon, G. P. P. (1997). Pet-oriented child psychotherapy (2 ed.). Springfield: Charles C Thomas Publisher.
Parish-Plass, N. (2013). Animal assisted psychotherapy: Theory, issues and practice. Purdue University Press.
Pichot, T., & Coulter, M. (2006). Animal-assisted brief therapy: A solution focused approach. New York: Routledge.
VanFleet, R. (2008). Play therapy with kids & canines: Benefits for children's developmental and psychosocial health. Sarasota, FL, US: Professional Resource Press/Professional Resource Exchange.
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The Amazing Benefits of Therapy Dogs, https://onlinemftprograms.com/benefits-of-therapy-dogs/