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Unleashing Joy: The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy

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Sam

kneeling woman leaning head on dog

Who Is Anita?

Anita Geary’s dedication to improving the lives of children, adults, & families as a mental health social worker span 2 decades.

Her approach involves integrating her trained therapy dogs, Bacardi & Kaluah, into her therapeutic practice, offering a distinctive & deeply enriching experience.

Anita’s expertise in Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) recently led her to present at the 2023 Animal Therapies Conference, focusing on the application of AAT for those affected by interpersonal trauma. She’s also actively contributing to the development of practice standards in the field of AAT & runs a regional private practice. Beyond her clinical work, Anita provides tailored training & clinical supervision to professionals in the helping professions, enhancing their skills through trauma-informed, reflective, & strength-based practices. Her passion for making a positive impact is evident in her work, as she continues to guide countless individuals towards a brighter & more fulfilling

Episode Summary

  • Anita shares what Animal-Assisted Therapy is. Including how having an animal in the room is not what that is.
  • We discuss how the therapist understanding their dog is integral to the work. Sharing about the different personalities of her dogs Bacardi, Bailey and Kaluah.
  • Anita talks about how the dogs assist in the regulation in the room in a way that humans cannot.
  • When working with people in therapy, Anita talks about how the dogs have equal rights in the room. That they are never forced outside of what they want in that moment.
  • We discuss the impact of holding heavy emotion on the animals and how they need rest also.
  • Anita shares about what led her to specialising in Animal-Assisted Therapy.
  • We explore how the animals benefit complex/interpersonal trauma and other spaces where it can be beneficial.
  • Anita gives a picture of what can happen Inside the Therapy Room. Including a wonderful example of the power of animal-assisted therapy.
  • Finally, Anita smashes a myth around animal-assisted therapy.