Welcome to Lead The Way!
Animal-Assisted-Therapy (AAT) For Human-Canine Teams
Upcoming Intensive Therapy-Dog Handlers Courses
Course 1: Monday 15th to Friday 19th February 2010
OR
Course 2: Monday 5th to Friday 9th July 2010
Setting new standards for the industry, this training program will teach participants the skills to enhance existing careers in the human-services field, or to forge new career pathways.
In a truly unique 5-day intensive program, this course will train human-canine teams to conduct Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI). In the only training program of its type, this course focuses not only on training dogs the obedience and behaviour required of a VISTING THERAPY DOG, but covers much of the theory and current research into Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and explores how AAI programs can be developed and implemented.
Download the AAT Brochure for more information [PDF 2.34 MB]
Psychology Clinic
The clinic, located in Boronia Victoria, provides counselling, psychotherapy and mediation to school-aged children, young people and families. Where appropriate, a Therapy-Dog can be involved in the sessions. We also provide individual and group sessions in schools, hospitals or other orgaisations. More...
What is animal-assisted therapy?
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) means using animals to help people. It does not mean doing therapy on animals. Many professionals use animals in their work, for example in counselling, physical rehabilitation and education. There are also less structured ways to include animals in working with people, such as animal-assisted activities (AAA). Collectively, this work is known as animal-assisted interventions or AAI. More...
What are the benefits of AAT?
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a relatively new field of scientific investigation. There is a strong push by professionals and universities to build upon the evidence base that supports animal-assisted interventions (AAI's). Research began formally in the 1960’s when pioneering psychiatrist Boris Levinson discovered accidentally that his clients related to his dog. More recently research has focused on the social, physical/physiological and psychological benefits of human-animal interaction and companionship. More...
Get involved!
Join our Directory of Clinicians who are using AAT in their professional practice.
Join our Directory of Volunteers who are visiting with their pets.
Get your dog ready to do therapy work with our Therapy Dog Training Programme.
Learn More
Contact us with your questions, or join our mailing list.
Visit our links page for more Australian and International information.
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