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The Distinctiveness of Animal Assisted Play Therapy™
This article explores the unique features that comprise Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ as it was created and developed by Dr. Risë VanFleet (USA) and Tracie Faa-Thompson (UK). There are distinct differences with many other forms of Animal Assisted Intervention, and some of these distinctions are described here.
Finding and Preparing a Dog for Canine Assisted Play Therapy™
Another frequently asked question about Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ pertains to finding the right canine partner and preparing the dog for the work. Most common are questions about which breeds make the best therapy dogs. These are actually more complex questions than many people realize. This blogpost is designed to point readers toward some helpful resources that we have developed.
Getting Started in Animal Assisted Play Therapy™
Read this to explore the field of Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ and learn how to get into this exciting field!
AAPT Certification Board: Information on the Process
The credentials linked to Animal-Assisted Interventions are numerous and confusing. This blog discusses the differences between certificate programs and certification programs. The AAPT Certification Program is briefly described, and the development of the AAPT International Certification Board is highlighted.
Animals Speak! Issue 14: Pandemic Topics for Kids–Getting Annoyed with Brothers and Sisters
In Issue 14 of Animals Speak! Murrie talks about annoyances that come from living with brothers and sisters. These can be heightened during the pandemic when family members don’t have as much time away from each other as they might want. Murrie discusses his own occasional frustrations with two of his sisters and then offers a few things to do about those situations.
Do We Sell Them Short? Supporting “Agency” in Animals
Sometimes, in our eagerness to provide a happy life for our animals, we step in too quickly to help them with certain challenges. There are times when we sell them short, perhaps not realizing or forgetting that they have their own unique capabilities and skills. This blog post explores the concept of agency for animals, factors to consider when working with animals, and how we can do more to allow, promote, and support their agency and control in their own lives. The post includes a contribution by Pat Tagg of the UK that involves her unique observations of the development of confidence in a blind lamb with help from other sheep and the flock.
Animals Speak! Issue 13: Pandemic Tips for Kids and How to Keep Busy
The coronavirus pandemic has caused lots of changes for everyone, including kids and even dogs! In this issue of Animals Speak!, Josie Patches has a short message of what she has been up to and then introduces our special guest for this issue!
Animals Speak! is a project of the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy® to provide encouragement and help to kids during the pandemic in a light-hearted manner.
Animals and Face Masks : Creating Safety, Fun, and Familiarity
As we reopen our businesses, dog trainers, behaviorists, and human therapists are likely to be wearing masks and engaging in social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19. How do animals respond to mask-wearing humans? How can we make our use of masks comfortable for them? This post focuses on ways to ensure that masks do not become impediments to the work we do that involves animals.
Animals Speak! Issue 12: Pandemic Tips and Getting Along with Family Members
Animals Speak! is a volunteer project of the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy® which provides information, encouragement, and ideas for kids of all ages about the pandemic. In Issue 12, we get some reminders on how to stay safe, how to get along with your family when they get on your nerves, and then a special message for a couple kids who follow along with us!
Resuming In-Person Animal Assisted Play Therapy® During the Pandemic
As people involved in Animal Assisted Play Therapy® and Animal Assisted Interventions plan to reopen their clinics or practices for in-person sessions, many risk factors must be considered. Risk management plans must be updated to take the pandemic into account. This article provides some excellent resources and some factors to think about when planning for a safe resumption of in-person sessions.
Animals Speak! Issue #11: Hong Kong Therapy Dogs Sing For You!
Animals Speak! is a a project of the International Institute of Animal Assisted Play Therapy® featuring therapists and their animals from all over the world who have been trained in AAPT. The purpose is to provide child-friendly information about topics related to the pandemic, along with some fun or interesting ideas to help kids of all ages cope with what is going on. In Issue 11, we will hear from some singing dogs from Hong Kong!
Teletherapy Sessions with Animals: Initial Considerations
Reports by therapists suggest that their own therapy animals or family companion animals are being involved in their teletherapy sessions. This process is not as straightforward as one might think. This blogpost outlines some key considerations for therapists prior to involving any animals in their sessions.