ATL Virtual Conference

• Co-regulation in therapeutic animal interaction refers to the process where animals and humans mutually influence each other's emotional and physiological states, promoting a sense of calm and safety. 

• Attunement involves the deep, empathetic connection between a person and an animal, where the animal intuitively responds to the person's emotional and physical needs. This responsive interaction helps the person feel understood and supported, further enhancing the therapeutic benefits.

• The relevance of attunement and co-regulation for animal-assisted intervention and therapy, as well as for human-animal relationships - will be explained in an empirical framework, and strategies for enhancement will be provided.

The Good Life Farm is well aware of the direct roles and benefits our animal friends play in healing, providing transferable relationship skills and boundaries that can be used in real world applications. Animals do not judge or shame and have the ability to provide young people a direct insight to the impact of their actions and being. Having undertaken a formal independent evaluation, GLF can provide evidence of these positive outcomes and the life changing events that occur as a direct result.

Well over half of the Australian population choose to live their lives with other species; dogs, cats, budgies, bunnies …and there is an array of evidence that points to how these cross species relationships can have positive impacts on human health behaviours and experiences. This presentation will step through how the evidence for pets as health creating (for some people) can be applied to the National Preventive Health Strategy with a particular focus on physical activity and mental health priorities, whilst also being acutely aware of the complex realities of human-pet relationships which can at times have severely negative outcomes for people and animals.

Chronic maltreatment by a caretaker in early childhood, known as developmental trauma (DT), results in serious deleterious effects on the child’s present and future physical and psychological health, self-regulation, and ability to function in interpersonal relationships. Researchers in the field of neurobiology have discovered that the source of these problems lies in pervasive neurological implications of maltreatment. Integration of knowledge of the psychological and neurobiological effects of DT has proved useful for psychotherapists in play therapy, an approach helping the child to work through the trauma on the way to growth and resilience. However, the symptoms of DT form barriers to some of the very principles of play therapy that are meant to treat sufferers of DT, preventing the ability to enter into imaginative play in the therapy setting, leading to difficulty in forming a meaningful narrative and working through the trauma and its implications. Experts in the field of DT state that therapy must take place in the context of relationships. Evidence points to the positive influence of human-animal interactions on the neurobiological system. Animal-assisted psychotherapy, conducted in a highly relational environment and positively influencing the neurobiological system, may lower barriers to play therapy for children suffering from DT.

My journey in the field of animal-assisted services has been a deeply personal one. Reflecting on it, I am reminded of the inspiring words of Dr. Seuss: 'Oh, the places I’ve seen, and we will go.' As I transition into retirement, it's challenging to let go of something so dear that has become ingrained in my identity. I've witnessed the field's transformation from a misunderstood therapy to a respected complementary approach. The evolution of this field is truly astounding, and I’ve been privileged to witness many awe-inspiring moments that are beyond words. 

During the upcoming session, I will delve into my personal experiences in the field, shedding light on the observed changes and my visions for the future. This will include a discussion of the significant accomplishments and the most challenging obstacles encountered.

The future of Animal-Assisted Services/ Human-Animal Interaction (AAS/HAI) will be significantly influenced by our collective efforts to advance the field through rigorous scientific research and evidence-based practices. It is imperative to prioritize animal welfare and maintain the highest standards of professionalism as we progress. 

Our steadfast commitment to acknowledging and cherishing our connections with non-human animals will remain pivotal to our endeavors. In alignment with Leonard Sweet's perspective, it is evident that our dedication to rigorous research, established methodologies, and the unwavering promotion of the well-being of both humans and animals will deliberately shape the future of AAS/HAI. Furthermore, discussions regarding research directions, evidence-based practice funding, public policy, and the long-term vision for AAS/HAI in the next 10-20 years are essential components of the overarching dialogue.

With the rise of animal assisted treatments, the mental health field is getting a new look. From a history of tear-laden, marathon therapies, animals are transforming the counseling and psychotherapy fields to a holistic and positive approach. Animals not only add lightness and fun to the therapy process, but their keen intuition informs alert clinicians of a client’s unexpressed feelings, conflicts, resistance, and desires. By fostering therapeutic relationships between clients and animals, a window into the client’s unconscious opens, allowing for these deeper issues to come to light. Trained psychotherapists can intentionally build on those human-animal relationships to enlighten and challenge clients to practice new ways of living in the world. Ultimately, when clients see themselves differently through the eyes of their animal friends, they start to see the possibilities of who they are, and who they can be. With glimmers or hope and joy, clients in relationship with therapy animals can move to a new experience of living, one that mirrors their relationship with their therapy animals.

Practitioner focused - The clinical application of working alongside animals.

This will be a dual presenter session where both a EAP and Horse trainer come from similar approaches for the betterment of the industry preventing horse burnout or stress in our field.

Sue and Kim both highlight the importance of relational approaches in their work with horses. Sue, an EAP practitioner, uses an I-Thou relational model with horses and clients, while Kim focuses on consent-based training to ensure horses feel heard and emotionally healthy. This approach is central to his training philosophy.A strong relationship with horses is as crucial as our bond with clients. Without horses that feel acknowledged and are willing participants, we cannot effectively conduct relationally-based sessions. Both humans and horses, as social mammals, have brains and needs that are wired for connection and attachment, which are vital for their well-being and growth.Sue emphasizes the need for practitioners to engage in personal work to present themselves authentically before expecting horses to interact similarly for clients. Kim underscores the benefits of consent-based training, which fosters a two-way dialogue with horses. Are you ready to engage in this two-way communication, valuing both the horses' affirmatives and refusals, to build their confidence and deepen your working relationship?

A new concept for WAs First Responders using therapy dogs and experienced first responders to provide a frontline, mobile, additional and alternative form of mental health support. The aim of the service is to bridge the gap between first responders performing duties and seeking support. Establishing a concept to prevent mental health deterioration, self harm, burn out, compassion fatigue, PTSD and suicide of First Responders by using an additional and alternative form of specialised support with therapy dogs and experienced First Responders.

Assistance dog (AD) handlers are often denied access to places they are legally entitled to take their AD, but the frequency and contexts, and associated emotional impacts, of access denials in Australia have not been established. There is also little known about the impact of unexpected interactions with humans and other dogs when ADs are in their community. The aim of this study was to characterize the frequency and contexts, and emotional impacts, of AD access denials among handlers in Australia, as well as the outcomes of interactions with others. Handlers (N = 77) throughout Australia completed an online survey. Commercial passenger vehicles (CPVs; e.g., Uber/taxi) were the most commonly reported context for access denials, reportedly occurring about half the time, followed by hotels, restaurants, and cafés. Bystander support was rare in any setting. Some participants reported avoiding CPVs (52%), restaurants (13%), and medical/dental centers (13%) due to prior access denials. The emotional impacts were negative (e.g., annoyed, excluded, anxious, hurt). Unexpected interactions with people and other dogs were common. Unfortunately, 8 participants have had to retire a dog as an outcome of a negative interaction. Future research should seek to understand whether this can be remedied.

Creating Protected Spaces: A Journey through Trauma and Healing," Dr. Rebecca Bailey and Jaycee Dugard share their experiences through the lens of the survivor and healer, highlighting resilience, recovery, and the power of protected spaces in the face of trauma. Dr. Rebecca Bailey, renowned for her expertise in trauma therapy and family systems, offers invaluable insights into the creation of such spaces for survivors. Drawing from her extensive experience, Dr. Bailey illuminates the multifaceted dynamics of trauma recovery and the essential role of supportive environments. Together, Dr. Bailey and Jaycee Dugard weave a rich tapestry of wisdom, combining personal experiences with professional insights to inspire hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Through their collaborative dialogue, they showcase the transformative power of empathy, compassion, and connection in fostering healing and growth. As they delve into the nuances of trauma and healing, Dr. Bailey and Jaycee Dugard guide audiences on a journey of understanding, empathy, and empowerment. Their keynote serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward creating protected spaces where survivors can find solace, support, and the opportunity to reclaim their lives.

As AAS providers it is so important that we advocate for the animals that we work alongside. This often involves noticing and responding to the animals behaviours and educating our clients to do the same. We heal through relationship so it is important that this comes into our work with the animals that support AAS. In this presentation Jane will discuss different behaviours and nervous systemstates that animals may present with and how to support clients to respond to and learn from these behaviours.

In this insightful session, John Mellors (CEO, Workcom) and Glenn Baird (Head of Mental Health, TAL) will introduce an exciting new pilot designed to adapt equine assisted therapy to deliver as a component of rehabilitation support to Life Insurance customers who have experienced mental ill-health.  Developed in partnership between Workcom, Equine Assisted Therapy Australia, the University of Southern Queensland and TAL, this pilot program seeks to address the growing need for innovative recovery approaches by combining the expertise of mental health and rehabilitation specialists with the unique benefits and principles of equine therapy.  Attendees will learn about the program's structure, customer journey, and its potential to enhance recovery outcomes for individuals living with PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.  Join John and Glenn as they discuss the power of human-animal connection in the journey to better health for TAL’s customers.

This presentation will discuss the contents and intended use of the 'Minimum Competencies for Australian Allied Health ProfessionalsProviding Animal Assisted Therapy/Treatment'. The minimum competencies document was developed in 2023-2024 by a committee ofAustralian allied health professionals with extensive practice and research experience in the area of animal assisted therapy/treatment.The minimum competencies are designed for use by registered allied health professionals who are considering including animals intheir practice. The document aims to minimise risk to clients, community members and clinicians by supporting therapists to design,plan and deliver safe therapy services involving animals. The document can be found here https://animaltherapies.org.au/wpcontent/uploads/2022/11/FINAL-ATL-Minimum-Competencies-for-Australian-Allied-Health-Clinicians-Providing-AAT-Ratified-29-July2024.pdf

The three goodbyes and one bittersweet hello. Assistance Dogs (AD) have had an increasing role in helping people living with a wide range of physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities and mental illness. However, the shorter lifespan of dogs and the (un)certainty implicit in the lives of people living with impairments will inevitably result in the making and breaking of multiple, intense interspecies relationships.This presentation aims to provide insights into the experiences of those who live with and train assistance dogs and the psychological and practical challenges they face at the end of these extraordinary relationships. Insights from a National lottery funded bereavement aftercare service in development in the North of England will be shared. Aimed at anyone who is interested in, or works with, assistance dogs this talk uses narratives from primary research, lived experience and current best practice recommendations in a positive and affirming way. It explores how practitioners can advance the health and wellbeing of both human and canine partners answering the question: How can we develop a system which supports clients and staff facing anticipatory, disenfranchised or complicated grief reactions while simultaneously supporting the development of new partnerships with a subsequent assistance dog?