Animal Assisted Therapy
Workshop Duration: 1.5Â hours
Cost:Â $90.00
Are you confident integrating animals into therapeutic practice?
Do you understand the differences between therapy animals, assistance animals and emotional support animals?
If you’re curious about using animals in safe, ethical and evidence informed ways, this introductory workshop will guide your next steps.
Purchase this workshopWhat will you learn?
Animal-Assisted Therapy for Occupational Therapists is designed to help OTs understand the foundations of including animals in therapy, the types of therapy animals and the clinical frameworks that make AAT effective.
You’ll explore:
- The difference between therapy animals, assistance animals, companion animals and volunteer support animals
- How dogs and horses are most commonly used and why
- What AAT sessions can look like (with examples from self-care, motor skills, emotional regulation and more)
- Insurance, training pathways and safety considerations
- The emerging evidence base for AAT and how to apply it in your practice
- Key considerations before starting your AAT journey
Whether you're working in paediatrics, mental health, disability or community OT, this workshop will help you explore how the human-animal bond can enhance your therapeutic outcomes.
Who is this workshop for?
- Occupational Therapists working in paediatrics, mental health, psychosocial disability or community health
- OTs exploring new therapy tools or engagement approaches
- Practice owners or team leaders considering AAT integration
- Animal lovers curious about turning their interest into practice
Why attend?
- Gain clear, practical knowledge about what Animal-Assisted Therapy is and isn’t
- Understand the differences between assistance animals, therapy animals and pets in practice
- Explore how animals can support OT goals across diverse clinical areas
- Learn about training, regulation, insurance and safety considerations
- Discover how to integrate AAT ethically and meaningfully within your scope
- Build confidence to begin your AAT journey with evidence-informed insight and realistic next steps
What's included?
- Gain online access to the workshop – live workshops are delivered via Zoom, while self-paced options include access to recorded sessions
- Download workshop slides and any resources provided by the presenter
- Enjoy six months of access to the recording and resources via your Verve OT Learning Library
- Receive a certificate of completion for your CPD records, available via email upon completion of the workshop
About the Presenter
Dr Tilly Clements has worked with individuals with disabilities and their families, using animals for the last 15 years in various capacities as an Occupational Therapist including Hippotherapy and NCAS Accredited Horse Riding Coach and Educator.
Clinically, Tilly primarily works with individuals with complex disability presentations but has previously worked in various clinical fields including early intervention school-aged interventions, adults and community-based settings.
Tilly is the director of Cornwall House OT Services and Chairperson of the Western Australian Assistance and Therapy Dogs Association and has a special interest in Animal-Assisted Therapy and assisting people with navigating the world of Assistance Dogs.
Browsing several workshops?
You can add more than one to your cart for one easy purchase
Quick add to cartWhat Are Others Saying?
"I really enjoyed the workshop.Â
It was just the right amount of information to get me started on investigating the concept of using a therapy dog in my practice."
Adrianne S, Occupational Therapist
"This workshop was presented clearly and covered a lot of relevant information while not feeling overwhelming. Aspects and factors that i had not considered were discussed to an appropriate level of detail"
-Â Maddi, Occupational Therapist
