AASW Webinar Recording | Animal-Assisted Therapy - Ethical Practice in Mental Health Social Work

Capability Levels: Emerging; Evolving

This training is designed for social workers seeking to deepen their understanding of AAT and its application in mental health and trauma-focused practice. With the rise of interest in integrating animals into therapeutic work, it is critical for social workers to understand how to do so safely, ethically, and in alignment with professional standards.

Drawing on the Australian guidelines developed by Animal Therapies Ltd (ATL), including the Minimum Competencies for Allied Health Professionals and the Canine-Assisted Social Work Guidelines, this session provides participants with a strong theoretical and practical foundation. The training also explores how AAT can be implemented through Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) to ensure AMHSWs meet their requirements under Medicare, with case studies and chat-based reflection to support clinical integration.

Participants will explore ethical responsibilities, client and animal welfare, treatment goals, evidence-informed practice, and the nuanced skills required to deliver AAT responsibly in social work settings.

Who should register?

This webinar is suitable for a wide range of social workers, from those newly exploring the field of animal-assisted therapy (AAT), to experienced clinicians seeking to integrate AAT within their mental health or trauma-focused practice.

It is particularly relevant for:

• Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs)
• Clinical social workers delivering services to client’s affected by interpersonal trauma
• Emerging practitioners interested in ethical and evidence-based integration of animals in practice
• Anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of AAT and its alignment with ethical frameworks and professional competencies

Whether you’re exploring the potential of AAT or already incorporating animals into your work, this session offers both foundational understanding and advanced insights to support safe, ethical, and impactful practice.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify key ethical principles and dual responsibilities when delivering Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)
• Understand the ATL Minimum Competencies and their application to social work practice
• Apply Focussed Psychological Strategies in the context of AAT using trauma-informed approaches
• Analyse clinical case studies and integrate AAT into safe, goal-oriented practice

AASW Credential: Mental Health (Focussed Psychological Strategies)

FPS psycho-education, cognitive-behavioural therapy, relaxation strategies, skills training, and interpersonal therapy will be incorporated in this webinar under a. psycho-education, b. cognitive-behavioural therapy, d. relaxation strategies, e. skills training, f. interpersonal therapy of Medicare schedule https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=MN.7.4&qt=noteID&criteria=MN.7.4

Please consider the AASW CPD Policy regarding FPS when logging your FPS hours manually.

In the event of audit, it is the member's responsibility to clearly demonstrate how this FPS training is relevant to the delivery of FPS in their specific work context.

Testimonials

• "Fantastic for all social workers/ mental health social workers who are thinking of or currently practicing AAT in their field of work. Very important information on balancing the ethical responsibilities for the client, animal and your practice. Very well presented. Anita does brilliant work."
• "This was great training in understanding what AAT is and how it can be utalised in therapy"
• "I particularly valued the acknowledgement of the rights of animals and the practice examples."
• "Found this training really helpful and useful!"