Animal Assisted Therapy

Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy but not sure where to start?

Many OTs are curious about incorporating animals into their clinical work but the terminology, training pathways and lack of clear regulation can make it confusing to know what’s in scope and what’s not.

This workshop provides a practical, grounded introduction to Animal-Assisted Therapy for Occupational Therapists.

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What 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

Workshop Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $120.00

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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 through your Verve OT Learning Library

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.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

"I really enjoyed the workshop.

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

"I really enjoyed the workshop.

It was just the right amount of information to get me started on investigating the concept of using a therapy dog in my practice."