Training for Professionals
Animal-Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy
A Clinician’s Guide
By Linda Chassman Craddock and Ellen Kinney Winston
Animal-Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Clinician’s Guide is the essential roadmap for mental health professionals ready to integrate animals into their practice. This unique text moves beyond theory to provide in-depth, real-world examples of treatment, describing hundreds of interventions tailored for children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families.
The guide addresses the vital legal and ethical pillars of the field, ensuring clinicians are equipped to navigate professional standards with confidence. Written with deep compassion for both species, it explores the nuances of working with diverse therapy animals while emphasizing the necessary training skills and logistical care required for a successful practice.
Whether you are seeking to spark your clinical creativity or are just beginning the journey of Animal-Assisted Counseling (AACP), this book offers the tools and insights needed to transform your professional practice.


AATPC Training and Certification
The AATPC provides professional training and certification in Animal-Assisted Therapy and Psychotherapy. Our programs are meticulously designed to meet the Competencies defined by the American Counseling Association (ACA) , ensuring that all practitioners operate at the highest clinical and ethical standards.

Who Should Enroll?
Our certification is designed for a diverse range of professionals dedicated to the helping and healing arts, including:
Clinical Practitioners: Psychotherapists, counselors, and psychiatrists working in private practice, community mental health, or residential treatment centers.
Educational Professionals: Teachers, school psychologists, and school counselors looking to enhance the learning environment.
Healthcare Providers: Physicians, nurses, and discharge planners focused on patient recovery and holistic care.
Social Services: Social workers, case managers, and those navigating complex resource networks for their clients.
Specialized Counseling: Professionals in various counseling centers and intensive treatment environments.
The Human-Animal Bond in Practice
Beyond the specific roles listed above, this training is open to anyone in a helping profession looking to safely and effectively integrate animals into their work. By joining our program, you gain the credentials and practical skills needed to transform your professional practice through the power of animal-assisted intervention.
Training Opportunities
Working With the best Professional Affiliations





Receive a $200 Discount when you enroll in both the Online Certificate Program and 3-Day Intensive!! *Pay for both in full to receive discount*
Barking C.A.A.T Ranch
A 501(c)3 Organization
EIN: 45-4423891
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