Handling stress doesn’t have to be impossible for our kids

In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions and stressors seem to pile up daily, finding positive and effective ways to support teenagers and kids feel safe and stay happy can be quite a task. Add in neurodivergence and the challenges that come with navigating a world not set up for your unique needs and this can be even more difficult. 

Fortunately, there are things we can do to build safety and a felt sense of worth and value for everyone in our community. Through group therapy sessions here at Insight Therapies Albury / Wodonga, we help to make life easier for both parents and children, whilst fostering a healthier, more resilient mindset.

What are our neurodivergent group sessions?

Essentially, they’re structured sessions where teenagers and kids come together to engage in activities and exercises designed to enhance their self esteem, build and celebrate identity, create connections and improve overall well-being. Led by our experienced team who are highly regarded counsellors and social workers, these groups promote positive changes in confidence, identity, behaviour, cognition, and emotional regulation.

Here’s a quick overview of the key benefits these groups to consider:

✨ Enhanced emotional regulation: Adolescence can be a trying time, marked by big emotions and heightened stress levels. Our neurodivergent groups provide a supportive environment where teens can learn effective strategies for managing their emotions such as anger management, reducing anxiety, and building resilience.

✨Improved social skills: Interacting with peers in a structured setting allows teenagers and kids to hone their social skills and develop meaningful connections. Through group activities and discussions, participants learn valuable communication techniques, empathy, and teamwork—all essential skills for navigating the complexities of interpersonal relationships.

✨Boosted confidence & self-esteem: By participating in activities that challenge them in a safe and supportive environment, teenagers and kids gain confidence in their abilities and develop a positive self-image. Celebrating achievements and milestones within the group fosters a sense of accomplishment and reinforces their self-worth.

✨Stress reduction & relaxation: In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy for teenagers and kids to feel overwhelmed by academic pressures, social expectations, and digital distractions. Our groups often incorporate relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga and deep breathing, to help unwind, feel grounded and practice how to find that balance in times of need.

✨Academic support & cognitive enhancement: Our groups incorporate brain-training exercises and educational activities designed to sharpen cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. By stimulating these neural pathways, we can enhance learning outcomes and academic performance.

✨Sense of belonging & community: Adolescence is a time of exploration and self-discovery, but it can also be a period of loneliness and isolation. Our neurodivergent groups offer teenagers and kids who often feel very disconnected and ‘different’ a sense of belonging as they connect with others who share similar experiences and interests. This sense of community strengthens their support network and provides a valuable source of encouragement and friendship.

Group sessions here at Insight Therapies harness the power of inclusion and acceptance, supporting the holistic development of teenagers and kids in today’s often challenging world. By guiding youth and providing them with a nurturing environment for growth and exploration, we allow them to grow within themselves and build a strong sense of self-worth. As parents, educators, and community leaders, we want what is best for the children in our care. By investing in these programs that nurture the whole person rather than just focusing on finding a solution to a ‘problem’, we can make a world of difference in the lives of those we care about, paving the way for a brighter, happier and more fulfilled future.

 

For more information or bookings,  call 0492 881 360 or email info@insighttherapiesvic.com.au

 

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Benefits of AAT

The benefits of AAT for individuals have been shown to include consistent improvements over four main areas:

• Autism spectrum symptoms (e.g., positive social interactions and communication)
• Medical difficulties (e.g., lowering of heart rate and blood pressure and increased motor skills & co-ordination)
• Behavioural problems (e.g., reduction in verbal resistance, aggression, violence & increased compliance with rules)
• Emotional well-being (e.g., reduction in anxiety, fear & depression

Research Findings

Findings from research on the outcomes of AAT suggests that this form of therapy is a calming and engaging approach, that improves health conditions. AAT has been found to offer unique benefits for encouraging social development, positively influencing an individual’s experiences of anxiety and increasing engagement in daily activities and self-care. Additionally, by building positive and trusting relationships with therapy animals, individuals are able to learn trust and skills through their interactions which then functions as an ‘emotional bridge’ to support the expansion of learnt skills into relationships with others in their social worlds.

Outcomes

The ability to engage safely with another being and practice social and emotional skills without the fear of judgement or rejection is a powerful tool to build confidence in a sometimes overwhelming social world. Trained therapy dogs such as Bacardi and Kaluah have repeatedly shown their openness to helping others and provided a safe social experience where care, compassion and acceptance is given freely. There is no need to fear rejection with this patient and loving duo, they love to help others and to share their strength to help ground you through difficult times. This grounding then allows you to engage in more open emotional expression, processing what has in the past been too painful to express. By having this opportunity, you can move forward from what has been holding you back so you can move forward into the future and thrive.

In the realm of counselling, finding the right support is akin to finding the perfect pair of jeans – each individual is unique, and the key to feeling comfortable and confident lies in finding the perfect fit tailored to you.

At Insight Therapies (based in Albury / Wodonga), we understand that everyone’s journey to self-discovery and healing is unique, and we’re here to help you navigate through the challenges with compassion and understanding. Led by our dedicated team, we are experienced in providing support to individuals with diverse neurological conditions. Our mission is simple: to create a safe and inclusive space where you can feel heard, valued, and supported every step of the way.

Neurodivergence refers to the diversity of the human brain and cognition and is a term that encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions, including Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability. For those who live with diversity, everyday life in a world set up for the neurotypical community can present unique challenges. From struggling to interpret social cues and struggling with mood regulation to feeling overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, the journey can sometimes feel like trying to navigate through a maze with no map. Add past traumas into the mix, and it’s easy to understand why many individuals may feel isolated and misunderstood. At Insight Therapies, we recognise the complexity of these challenges and are here to offer tailored support to help you find your way.

One of the most significant hurdles faced by neurodiverse individuals is the feeling of not fitting in or being misunderstood. At Insight Therapies, we believe in the power of creating a safe and inclusive environment where you can be your authentic self without fear of judgement or rejection. Through active listening and empathy, we strive to validate your experiences and foster a sense of belonging and acceptance. We create a space where you can feel truly seen, heard and understood, not just by us, but by yourself as well.

We also understand that experiences of trauma can further complicate the challenges of everyday life and the development of relationships, particularly on your ability to trust and form meaningful connections. Our team is here to support you with patience and sensitivity as you navigate the journey of healing and rebuilding those connections. By fostering relationships based on mutual respect and understanding, we empower you to cultivate authentic and fulfilling connections in your life.

Seeking support from experienced professionals like us can make all the difference in your journey. With our expertise and understanding, we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, helping you develop coping strategies and grow personally along the way. Whether you’re looking for guidance in navigating social interactions or processing past traumas, we’re here to provide you with the support and tools you need to thrive.

Our commitment to heartfelt support goes beyond just the professional. We believe in the power of human connection and strive to build a genuine relationship with you based on trust and respect. By sharing our own experiences and insights, we hope to create a sense of solidarity and understanding that helps you feel less alone on your journey.

If you’re ready to take the next step on your journey of self-discovery and healing, we’re here to support you every step of the way. To book a session with Insight Therapies Albury / Wodonga, simply visit our website and follow the booking prompts on our Contact Us page or call 0492 881 360.

Remember, you’re not alone – we’re here to help you navigate through the challenges and find the support you need to thrive.

In the realm of counselling, finding the right support is akin to finding the perfect pair of jeans – each individual is unique, and the key to feeling comfortable and confident lies in finding the perfect fit tailored to you.

At Insight Therapies (based in Albury / Wodonga), we understand that everyone’s journey to self-discovery and healing is unique, and we’re here to help you navigate through the challenges with compassion and understanding. Led by our dedicated team, we are experienced in providing support to individuals with diverse neurological conditions. Our mission is simple: to create a safe and inclusive space where you can feel heard, valued, and supported every step of the way.

Neurodivergence refers to the diversity of the human brain and cognition and is a term that encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions, including Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability. For those who live with diversity, everyday life in a world set up for the neurotypical community can present unique challenges. From struggling to interpret social cues and struggling with mood regulation to feeling overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, the journey can sometimes feel like trying to navigate through a maze with no map. Add past traumas into the mix, and it’s easy to understand why many individuals may feel isolated and misunderstood. At Insight Therapies, we recognise the complexity of these challenges and are here to offer tailored support to help you find your way.

One of the most significant hurdles faced by neurodiverse individuals is the feeling of not fitting in or being misunderstood. At Insight Therapies, we believe in the power of creating a safe and inclusive environment where you can be your authentic self without fear of judgement or rejection. Through active listening and empathy, we strive to validate your experiences and foster a sense of belonging and acceptance. We create a space where you can feel truly seen, heard and understood, not just by us, but by yourself as well.

We also understand that experiences of trauma can further complicate the challenges of everyday life and the development of relationships, particularly on your ability to trust and form meaningful connections. Our team is here to support you with patience and sensitivity as you navigate the journey of healing and rebuilding those connections. By fostering relationships based on mutual respect and understanding, we empower you to cultivate authentic and fulfilling connections in your life.

Seeking support from experienced professionals like us can make all the difference in your journey. With our expertise and understanding, we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, helping you develop coping strategies and grow personally along the way. Whether you’re looking for guidance in navigating social interactions or processing past traumas, we’re here to provide you with the support and tools you need to thrive.

Our commitment to heartfelt support goes beyond just the professional. We believe in the power of human connection and strive to build a genuine relationship with you based on trust and respect. By sharing our own experiences and insights, we hope to create a sense of solidarity and understanding that helps you feel less alone on your journey.

If you’re ready to take the next step on your journey of self-discovery and healing, we’re here to support you every step of the way. To book a session with Insight Therapies Albury / Wodonga, simply visit our website and follow the booking prompts on our Contact Us page or call 0492 881 360.

Remember, you’re not alone – we’re here to help you navigate through the challenges and find the support you need to thrive.

Since including therapy animals in my practice, I have seen so many clients experience profound growth and healing. This is why I’m passionate about supporting mental health professionals and educators to implement Animal Assisted Therapy in their own settings.  

It is incredibly powerful to witness the confidence and connection that grows between my dogs and individual clients – some of whom have not felt connected in a really long time. 

 

The specific benefits of animals in therapy depend on the individual client and their needs, and may include:

•  Skill development – utilising therapy animals to build confidence or distress tolerance
• Demonstrating what it is like to engage in a relationship with another being that is equal, shared and respectful
• The opportunity to work through attachment issues and to communicate in a way they may not have been able to before. 

 

So, let’s take a closer look at what Animal Assisted Therapy is, the therapeutic applications and benefits, and how as practitioners, we can apply AAT to support meaningful outcomes for our clients.

What is Animal Assisted Therapy?

AAT is an effective therapeutic modality, where trained therapy animal and handler teams draw on the therapeutic benefits of the human-animal bond, to assist clients to achieve meaningful and lasting change.

As with other therapeutic frameworks, AAT is goal-oriented, planned, structured, and evidence-based. The therapy can take many forms, depending on the client, the animal and the goals for treatment.

Importantly, to use AAT within your practice as a health or human services professional, both you and your animal will need to have completed a certification process. 

“A therapy animal is only considered a therapy animal when used by a professional who is qualified to deliver Animal Assisted Therapy.”

AAT is used by a wide range of disciplines, including social workers, counsellors, psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and doctors.

What are the therapeutic benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy?

It is commonly accepted that the inclusion of dogs in a therapy space plays a significant role in increasing client motivation to engage in therapy. 

However, the benefits go far beyond motivation.

Numerous studies (listed in Sources) have found that when skilfully integrated into client sessions, AAT: 

• Improves outcomes and promotes client engagement
• Enhances client experiences of trust and safety in sessions
• Builds rapport and relationship with the therapist more rapidly to enable a more efficient therapeutic alliance
• Initiates and strengthens the bond between the therapist and client, as well as becomes a tool to encourage positive therapeutic changes
• Keeps the client focused on the present moment to enable the exploration of long-standing issues that may be too painful to discuss without an animal present
• Provides an experience of unconditional support and acceptance that can be difficult for clients in a vulnerable state of mind to seek out from other human beings
• Provides emotional regulation opportunities through touch and relationship
• Provides model for appropriate language, discipline, and behavioural learning
• Provides model for learning to establish consistent boundaries and expectations and develops improved communication skills
• Provides immediate and non-judgemental feedback for pro-vs anti-social behaviours
• Provides relational interactions to support the assessment of attachment style & relational skills
• Provides experiential and process learning opportunities for interpersonal development, trauma recovery, developing understanding of self and others and improving assertiveness.

 

When looking at the evidence-based benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy, we see that the inclusion of therapy animals can support clients to:

• Increase their capacity to self-regulate
• Lower cortisol levels (stress hormone) and release oxytocin (happy hormone) –  resulting in a reduced stress response
• Increase access to the emotional centre of the brain – supporting clients to process difficult emotions, experiences or behaviours that may previously have blocked them from engaging meaningfully in therapy.

 

AAT also offers opportunities for tactile stimulation, co-regulation and mirroring, as well as experiences of emotional bonding and new opportunities to engage in a healthy interpersonal relationship where care, trust and predictability are core elements.

AAT and the therapeutic alliance

Key to any therapeutic outcomes is the relationship that is created within the therapeutic alliance. When we include animals in our practice, we have double the impact – we have the relationship the client is experiencing with the therapist, and we have the relationship that the client is experiencing with the animal. With interpersonal trauma, sometimes there are barriers and our clients are hesitant to trust another human being. This is particularly relevant for a child who may have experienced neglect or abuse at the hands of a caregiver. Experiencing two safe, nurturing and respectful relationships helps the client feel safe. When the client is feeling safe (in fact, only when they are feeling safe), they are able to explore and process internal states and engage in therapy in a meaningful way.

 

Through integrating AAT into our work we can promote a grounded and regulated environment to assist client’s capacity to explore issues, emotions or behaviours which may have been too difficult to express previously. Regulating the nervous system through touch, connection and co-regulation lowers defence mechanisms and allows clients to work through problems within a safe and nurturing environment, rewiring the body’s felt experience associated with their trauma. 

Animal Assisted Education

Similarly to Animal Assisted Therapy, studies have found that including suitably trained dogs in schools can provide benefits for student wellbeing, including: 

 Physiologically, the presence of a dog has been found to significantly lower behavioural, emotional and verbal distress in children when participating in a mindly stressful activity

• Lowered blood pressure and heart rate has been observed when a child reads aloud in the presence of a therapy dog
• Dogs contribute to student self-esteem by providing a ‘friend’ to bond with and love in the classroom setting
• Increased student attention, responsiveness and cooperation with an adult when a dog is present in the classroom.

You can learn more about the benefits of Animal Assisted Education and how to implement it in your educational setting through our self-paced, online course: Canine-Assisted Therapy in Practice.

What are the ethical considerations for implementing AAT?

Canine Assisted Therapy is about so much more than having a dog with good manners. As with any other therapeutic framework, AAT is about the outcome for the client. It’s essential to understand exactly how to work with both the animal and the client for a meaningful, healthy and ethical outcome for all.

 

Something I noticed when I was developing my own animal assisted therapy practice, was the tendency to skip over the conversation about ethical considerations. Many of the courses I looked into didn’t talk about what it was like for our animals to be working in the therapy space, or the expectations and responsibilities that exist when working with animals in practice. 

 

As with any other form of therapy, there  is a code of ethics and a set of practice standards that apply to anyone using Animal Assisted Therapy.

 

These exist to ensure that the therapeutic relationship is healthy and safe for everyone – the clients, the animals and the therapists. They include:

Animal welfare

The welfare and wellbeing of any therapy animal is a top priority. This includes considering factors such as the animal’s health, temperament and suitability for therapy work. Animal handlers and therapists should ensure that the animals are provided with proper care, nutrition, exercise, rest and veterinary attention. 

 

 Consent and autonomy

Informed consent must be obtained from clients before incorporating animals into their therapy sessions. Clients should be fully aware of the involvement of a therapy animal in their treatment and have the autonomy to choose whether they are comfortable with it or not. This includes discussing any potential risks, allergies or fears relating to animals. 

 

 Professional competence

To deliver AAT, you must have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to work with both animals and clients. This includes certification in animal assisted therapy, as well as understanding animal behaviour, body language, and appropriate handling techniques. Maintaining up to date knowledge and participating in ongoing professional development is seen as part of professional competence. 

 

There are additional practice standards and ethical considerations, including Confidentiality and Privacy, Professional Boundaries, and Safety and Risk Management. 

 

These ethical considerations are an essential part of maintaining a safe, effective and ethical practice of Animal Assisted Therapy, that prioritises the wellbeing of both clients and animals. 

 

If you’re interested to learn more about setting up an ethically-based program for any client you’re working with, we cover this in-depth in ‘Canine Assisted Therapy in Practice’. It includes 31 self-paced lessons, with:

•  Video content
• Additional readings
• Role plays and practice examples
• Access to course creator and experienced AAT Therapist, Anita Geary. 

 Find out more and register at: https://www.insighttherapiesvic.com.au/training-canine-assisted-therapy-in-practice/ 

About the Author

Anita Geary is an experienced Animal Assisted Therapist, based in Wodonga, Victoria. A committee member of Animal Therapies Limited (ATL), Anita has been recognised for her ongoing contribution to the development of the profession in Australia, and in 2023, she presented at the ATL conference (Brisbane), on the use of AAT when working with clients who have experienced interpersonal trauma. 

 

In her role as Lead Therapist (ACA Registered Counsellor & AASW Accredited Social Worker) at Insight Therapies Counselling and Consultancy, Anita combines quality therapy with her fully trained and certified therapy dogs Bacardi and Kaluah, to engage her clients by delivering a therapeutic team of self, client and therapy dog.

 

Anita first began the process of AAT certification for both herself and her then 3-year-old Labrador Bacardi, in 2019, after noticing a natural longing for Bacardi to offer comfort to others. Anita recognised that these innate skills demonstrated by Bacardi, when combined with her experience of working successfully with adults and children who have experienced trauma, could offer children, young people and adults a meaningful and highly valuable therapeutic experience.

 

Since the beginning of Insight Therapies Counselling and Consultancy in early 2020, Bacardi’s daughter Kaluah has also completed her certification and now joins the team with her gentle nature and her willingness to share her calm to promote positive emotional experiences for those who work with her.

 

Insight Therapies Counselling and Consultancy is the first and only canine-assisted therapy practice in the Albury Wodonga area and have been featured for their support to those in need by Prime7 news, The Border Mail and ABC Goulburn radio. Read More.

Sources

Nancy Parish-Plass, Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy for Developmental Trauma Through the Lens of Interpersonal Neurobiology of Trauma: Creating Connection With Self and Others, Journal of Psychotherapy Integration 2021, Vol. 31, No. 3, 302–325

Zilcha-Mano et al. / Journal of Research in Personality 46 (2012) 571–580 Pets as safe havens and secure bases: The moderating role of pet attachment orientations

 Canine-Assisted Therapies in Autism A Systematic Review of Published Studies Relevant to Recreational Therapy https://bctra.org/wp-content/uploads/tr_journals/7969-27839-1-PB.pdf

 The Impact of Canine-Assisted Therapy and Activities on Children in an Educational Setting https://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/education_ETD_masters/312/

Canine co‐therapy: The potential of dogs to improve the acceptability of trauma‐focused therapies for children https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1111/ajpy.12199

 Animal Assisted Therapy and Autism Intervention: A Synthesis of the Literature https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/gs_rp/119/

 Exploring Animal-Assisted Programs with Children in School and Therapeutic Contexts https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226411473_Exploring_Animal-Assisted_Programs_with_Children_in_School_and_Therapeutic_Contexts