Fine, A. (2019). Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Foundations and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions (5th Edition). Academic Press.
Animal Assisted Human Health Certification
Animal Assisted Human Health & Animal Assisted Play Therapy Certification
Animals can be a significant part of human lives, playing a role in their physical health and well-being. Studies of the human animal bond discuss the emotional and physical health benefits of an animal connection including improved fitness, decreased anxiety and decreased loneliness (Friedmann, 1990). Research supports physical contact with animals having health benefits by lowering blood pressure and increasing beta endorphins and dopamine production (Fine & Beck, 2010). The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative has argued that animal connection can lower the burden of healthcare related costs due to the physical and emotional health benefits animals bring into our lives.
The Firefly Institute believes that utilizing an animal within clinical practice can create enormous positive effects within the lives of those we serve, however this work needs to be done with intentionality. Therefore, comprehensive education and training is required regarding applications of ethical practice standards for animal assisted therapy. The Certificate in Animal Assisted Human Health is designed to prepare students with a foundational knowledge of clinical theory including: the human animal bond, relational theories, neurobiology and bridges clinical applications of partnering with animals for clinical care. Ethical considerations of engaging in animal assisted human health are at the heart of this program along with supporting students and practitioners to create a robust animal assisted human health program policy within private practice or clinic settings.
This certificate program is designed to provide students not only with a core foundation of animal assisted human health education, but opportunities for experiential learning and practice utilizing animals. We strive for excellence and all coursework includes live in person or webinar formats which sets this program apart. Instructors are not simply monitoring discussion boards, but interacting with students in meaningful ways to enhance learning and clinical practice. Coursework includes comprehensive reading lists, assignments, film and large/small groups discussion. A materials list of required texts will be provided and students are responsible for obtaining materials in preparation for coursework.
The Animal Assisted Human Health Certificate Program (24 Credit Hours) Includes Four Components:
Foundations of Animal Assisted Human Health
Animal Connections
Animal Assisted Human Health in Clinical Practice
Capstone
Course Descriptions:
Foundations of Animal Assisted Human Health
This course provides a comprehensive beginning to animal-assisted human health. The course reviews human animal bond theory and begins to make connections to therapy practices. Learning will include history, ethical practices including link violence, current research and various healthcare settings animal assisted therapy can be incorporated. Participants will differentiate between animal assisted therapy and animal assisted activities. The course outlines how to differentiate between emotional support, therapy animals and service animals. First steps towards policy creation for animal assisted human health programs.
Animal Connections
This course reviews the variety of animal species which participate in animal assisted human health, however pays special attention to canine partners. Animal behavior is a central portion of this course study including animal welfare and ethics. The course covers how to select, train, screen and make decisions about animal connections within clinical practice. The course continues to review policy for building successful programs.
Animal Assisted Human Health in Clinical Practice
This course provides instruction for successfully incorporating animal assisted human health within clinical practice. Discussion will include successful treatment plan writing, clinical interventions and incorporating research and best practice guidelines into the work for effective management of the animal partners in session. The course provides opportunity to finalize policy and decision making for animal assisted human health programs in private practice or clinic settings.
Capstone
Students will complete a paper and deliver a capstone presentation ‘Ted Talk’ style integrating learning from coursework into their own specialized research topic. Participants will be asked to engage in experiential demonstration of animal assisted human health applications. The session includes dialog with those in the field of animal assisted human health, group discussion and opportunities to continue connection and consultation with the animal assisted human health community.
Animal Assisted Play Therapy Certificate (Additional Requirements)
Students who intend to complete a dual certificate program for animal assisted play therapy must provide proof of evidence (course transcript, continuing education certificate) of a minimum of 18 hours of play therapy foundation training and complete their capstone project with a focus on children and play therapy.
Required Texts:
Chandler, C. K. (2017). Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling (3rd Edition). Routledge.
