Animal-Assisted Social Work - Help!

[nmason711]

Hi everyone! I just graduated with my BA in Psych, and looking to get my MSW degree. I am a huge fan of University of Denver's MSW program, with the clinical concentration & specialty area in AASW. Particularly, I love the research on the human-animal connection, the hands on instruction of training a dog for therapeutic work, and also to not only be a social worker for the people, but for animals as well.

 

I am residing out of New England, so unfortunately the journey out to CO is way to financially strenuous, and emotionally challenging to be that far away from family.

 

It should be mentioned that I am familiar of the EAGALA model of equine assisted psychotherapy & on the path to completing my certification, so I am familiar with the equine approach, but interested in hearing about incorporating other animals in practice.

 

Question for you all is, if you are using any animals in a therapeutic setting, particularly canine's, how did you get there? What is the most cost effective way in achieving it, for someone who has not yet received their license? Any universities/certificates/educational programs you know of and/or have experience with on the east coast (I prefer to get my MSW - but willing to explore different degree avenues)? And finally, any experience with social work for animals?

 

Thank you!!! - Nicole

[Clementine75]

Hi Nicole, I just got into my MSW program so my experience is not as a professional. I have worked with Delta, the Organization that trains dogs and handlers to go into hospitals, etc, to offer comfort to people. Maybe you should start there? Delta also uses other animals like llamas, ponies, even cats.  I just heard about a program here in CA that helps foster kids train shelter dogs and people can volunteer to coach the kids to use positive reinforcement. Eventually I want to use my dog in my work as an MSW, so I think we are thinking similarly  I  was doing research a little while ago and saw that after you get a degree in social work, psych, or counseling, you can get a certificate in animal assisted therapy. I can try to find the information if you want. 

Take care!

 

[Southerngrl42]

Hi there! This is totally up my alley! While I'm still waiting to hear back from programs so I can pursue my MSW, I took this last year to get certified in Animal Assisted Therapy! If you are interested in getting certified, check out Oakland University! It is part of their continuation program through the school of nursing, all online, and very well known! I believe it to be very reasonably priced, and though it is a lot of busy work and time consuming (takes a year!), I think ia certification is very important to obtain seeing as that AAT is a growing field! Here is how the class is divided up (I literally copied and pasted from their website):

Module 1- Intro to AAT ( First half of Fall Semester)
Includes readings on the literature and the learning on what it takes to get started with AAT.
Module 2- Psychology of AAT (Second half of Fall Semester)
Includes learning theories and behavior modification by applying this to AAT.
Module 3- Special Populations (First half of the Winter Semester)
Includes a closer look at vulnerable populations and how AAT will fit in with the populations. 
Module 4- Animal Welfare in AAT  (Second half of Winter Semester)
Includes learning if the animal can work for AAT, how to certify your pet, what a temperament assessment is and the provisions needed for using animals. 
Module 5- Capstone (First half of Spring Semester)
Includes writing a final paper on introduction, needs assessment, methodology, Budget/resources, similar programs, and outcomes.

https://oakland.edu/nursing/continuing-education/animalassistedtherapy/ 

It is my goal to use canines in my line of work once I obtain my MSW (hopefully utilize AAT with inmates), but unfortunately, I have not had the experience to implement AAT in my line of work as a counselor (classroom counselor for Seneca Family of Agencies). The school I work for has many programs on their campus, and one program actually has an emotional support dog, and my kids ADORE this dog. I really feel like animals can be a huge help, social support, and a great alternative avenue to working with children in a therapeutic setting.