All About Animals Animal-Assisted Therapy

03/02/2026

Farm animals can play a meaningful role in animal-assisted services across learning, therapy, and wellbeing — offering experiences that are grounding, relational, and deeply human.

Depending on the qualifications of the practitioner, interacting with animals such as sheep, goats, cows, chickens, and alpacas can support emotional regulation, reduce stress, and build confidence.

Their slower pace, predictability, and responsiveness invite presence, patience, and connection.

In animal-assisted learning, farm animals can help participants develop responsibility, communication skills, and practical learning through care routines and observation.

In therapeutic settings, they may support emotional expression, sensory regulation, and feelings of safety — particularly for people who find traditional talk-based approaches challenging.

In wellbeing programs, time spent with farm animals can foster calm, connection to nature, and a sense of belonging.

When incorporated ethically, safely, and with the right professional oversight, farm animals can enrich animal-assisted services in powerful and unexpected ways. Sometimes wellbeing grows quietly — in paddocks, barns, and shared moments of care.

01/02/2026

For people experiencing deep distress, isolation, or suicidal thoughts, feeling seen and safe can be life-saving. Animal-assisted therapy can play a powerful supporting role.

Animals offer a calm, non-judgemental presence. They don’t ask for explanations or demand words when none are available. This can help reduce feelings of loneliness, ease anxiety, and create moments of emotional grounding during overwhelming times.

Through structured, evidence-informed animal-assisted therapy delivered by registered health professionals, individuals may experience:
• Increased emotional regulation
• Reduced stress and physiological arousal
• A sense of connection and purpose
• Greater engagement with therapeutic support

Animals can act as a bridge — helping people stay present, feel connected, and take the next step toward help.

While animal-assisted therapy is not a standalone solution, it can be a meaningful part of a broader, person-centred suicide-prevention approach.

Sometimes, hope begins with a quiet presence and a shared moment of calm.

09/12/2025

Many trauma-informed animal-assisted service providers avoid the word “obedience” when talking about training — and there’s a good reason.
“Obedience” implies power, control, and compliance. But healing work with animals is built on choice, trust, and partnership.

When we shift the language, we shift the relationship: from demanding a behaviour to inviting connection.

By focusing on communication, emotional safety, and mutual respect, we support both the human and the animal in showing up as regulated, empowered partners in the work. It’s not about control — it’s about collaboration.

02/12/2025

01/12/2025

Animal Therapist Ltd — Statement on the Productivity Commission Final Report

It’s time we name it: the national mental health plan is failing the people who need it most. The Productivity Commission’s final report has made clear what many working in — and supporting — mental health have known for too long. 

➡️ For the estimated 500,000 Australians living with psychosocial disability — who are not eligible for the NDIS — the system remains fragmented, inaccessible, and unaffordable. 

➡️ Despite increased funding and promises, the Agreement has made minimal real impact: services remain uncoordinated, with unclear roles for governments, weak accountability and no measurable outcomes.

➡️ Many are still left waiting — through crisis after crisis — with no adequate pathway to support, recovery or community-based care. That’s unacceptable.

At Animal Therapist Ltd, we believe mental health support must be inclusive, consistent and continuous — especially for those with psychosocial disability.

We call on all levels of government to urgently co-design with ATL a new, genuinely integrated plan with people with lived experience, carers, and animal-assisted mental-health providers at the table. 

We stand with everyone left out by this system. Because good mental health — and good care — means no one gets left behind.

27/11/2025

A friendly reminder …

27/11/2025

Young Australians are facing significant mental health challenges. One in five young people experiences mental illness, including anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders.

A groundbreaking Victorian trial found that group-based ‘nature prescriptions’ – where health practitioners prescribe nature-based activities for patients – can deliver compelling results and value for money.

Conventional therapies can be costly and frequently involve long waiting periods. In contrast, spending time in nature offers an alternative that is affordable, widely accessible, and grounded in a long-standing truth: being in natural environments supports our well-being.

Tap through to read more → unimelb.me/3LZS7vc

18/11/2025

16/11/2025

Say hi to our bodacious BEAU !
This little 8 month floofie (medium sized Poodle) with a big personality has been in our PTSD Dogs Training Program for only a few months (a generous donation from his breeder) but is already showing how clever he is! Over this time he has learnt basic obedience and house manners quickly and loves taking on new challenges like a champ. BEAU is curious, smart and energetic and loves being out and about in the world wearing his trainee working jacket ! 💜🐾
Are you looking for an Assistance Dog to support your PTSD needs? Are you able to dedicate your time to participate in our on-line training course plus train BEAU and be part of our Pack as a trainee Handler? Do you live on the Sunny Coast close enough to attend weekly training sessions? If you think this is you, we'd love to hear from you and discuss becoming a Foster to Handler for BEAU.
PTSD Dogs Australia will provide training support, all his food from Big Dog Pet Foods , and his protection needs from NexGard Spectra Australia , you will cover other needs including his grooming.
This is a 'pawsome' opportunity for you to have BEAU as a Foster dad/mum, developing a bond early with him, before becoming his forever Handler.
Need some doggie cuddles, pup games like tug and fetch, in your life? Then click onto our website to apply 👇👇and mention you are interested in being a Foster to Handler for our young furry fellow BEAU.
www.ptsddogs.org.au

29/10/2025

27/10/2025

Livestream on now!

27/10/2025

Music and Nature Work in Harmony to Ease Stress and Lift Mood

“Touching grass” isn’t just good advice—it’s evidence-based therapy.

A new review found that pairing music and nature creates a unique form of sensory healing that lowers stress and supports recovery from trauma and emotional distress.

Whether it’s singing outside, dancing in nature, or listening to birdsong, these experiences enhance self-expression and mood.

Experts emphasize that such holistic, flexible therapies could complement or replace medication-based treatments for many people.