This unique session offers the opportunity to explore how animals can enrich and support mental health and therapeutic work. Taking place on a local farm/small holding (Walnut Tree Farm), the session combines theory with hands-experience, demonstrating how animals can play a role in facilitating emotional healing, building trust and supporting well-being.
This session is designed for anyone with an interest in this subject, as well as qualified counsellors, psychotherapists and mental health practitioners, who are interested in integrating animal-assisted approaches into their practice.
Participants will learn about the psychological benefits of animal-assisted interventions, including how animal-human interactions can reduce anxiety, promote emotional regulation, and enhance therapeutic relationships. The course will also cover essential considerations for safe, ethical practice, including safeguarding, animal welfare (the Five Freedoms), and key legal and regulatory requirements. Key topics will include:
You will start the day at our Adult & Higher Education and Campus on Stoney Lane, before moving on to a local farm for hands-on experience with animals!
No formal entry requirements. This course is open to anyone looking to discover more about how animals can be used to support emotional well-being.
Please ensure that you wear clothing appropriate for a farm/outdoor environment. Depending on the weather, you may need waterproof footwear/clothing.
We offer various Counselling and mental health CPD courses throughout the year, so you may wish to attend further CPD courses and workshops with us.