Course summary

This postgraduate course has been designed for those already qualified as Psychologists and Counsellors to develop their understanding and expertise in utilising Animal Assisted Services (AAS) within their practice. The programme will provide a broad basis on the roles and responsibilities of working with animals in human mental healthcare, whilst also providing you with opportunities to focus on your specific interests within the field. Add to your existing skills as qualified mental health practitioners with in-depth theoretical knowledge and understanding of core competencies and best practices in Animal Assisted Services (AAS) alongside key practical application, to achieve fitness to practice.  Develop skills in critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation, and apply these to a range of topics in animal assisted counselling and psychotherapy, allowing you to navigate the complex interface between practice, ethics, legality, and research incorporated within a One Health, One Welfare approach. You'll apply critical skills to solve complex problems, develop ideas and evaluate current practices of working with animals within human mental healthcare, and the vital role they share in influencing and optimising the professionalism and best practices within the industry. Most importantly, you'll develop theoretical knowledge, alongside observational, assessment, and practical skills to provide animals with lifelong care and training, to protect the welfare of animals included in AAS. Enact positive changes in AAS to ensure humans benefit, animal welfare is not compromised, and recognising when including animals or clients within sessions may be inappropriate or require amendment.