Animal Assisted Therapy: Ethics and Responsibilities for Mental Health Professionals

In this course, lead therapist and AAT specialist Anita Geary (MSW, AMHSW) introduces the ethical landscape of animal-assisted therapy (AAT), emphasising the responsibilities of mental health professionals in maintaining best practices and ensuring both client and animal welfare. She discusses how therapy animals support trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and relational healing, while also addressing critical ethical dilemmas, informed consent, and professional boundaries. Through examples and clinical insights, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to ethically integrate therapy animals into their practice, ensuring sustainable and evidence-based interventions.