Meet Dobby!  He's our lovable, goofy rescue from the Houston area, adopted last May via the good work of the folks at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA.   Even at his young age, he's showing all the right signs of having the qualities that will enable him to work with me as a co-therapist.  Though he's still in training, his manners are improving daily! That, coupled with his loving ways and gentle nature,  points to increasing readiness to work with clients who are interested in having a dog join them on their healing journey.

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Various kinds of animals such as dogs, chickens, horses, and even rabbits, can be utilized by a trained clinician to co-facilitate therapy.  I hold a certificate of advanced training in the KADRA model of Animal-Assisted Therapy, which is highly regarded in the field.  Currently there is not  an official national standard for animals who are co-therapists, but in the case of working dogs, the Canine Good Citizen certification by the American Kennel Association is the minimum criteria generally recognized for canine therapists. I am in the process of training Dobby for his CGC.  Until he is certified, his availability to join me in session is limited to outdoor settings.  

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Thus, "Walk, Talk, Wag!"  Dobby and I are available for outdoor therapy sessions, when clinically appropriate.  An example of this type of session would be held in a local public park, such as Fresh Pond Reservation.  Clients interested in this line of service must first meet with me for an in-depth evaluation and discussion of the unique qualities and privacy considerations of therapy conducted outside of the office.  We would agree in advance to the length of the walk, considering both distance and time, with plenty of opportunities to sit and talk as well.

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If you're not a dog person but find the idea of being outside in nature  while in therapy appealing, I am happy to discuss alternate public meeting sites for a Walk and Talk, minus the Wag!

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