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Information
An Introduction to Canine Companions in Clinical Care (Self Study)
Original Recording Date :
Jan 09, 2026 (EST)
Course Format
Recorded webinar.
This workshop is designed to introduce participants to the role of animal assisted interventions (AAI) in clinical practice. The purpose of this workshop is to help participants begin to examine the potential benefits and inherent risks of incorporating AAI into their work. During this training, we will explore the dynamics of the human-animal bond, review the history of animal assisted interventions, and highlight clinical considerations for ethical practice. Participants will gain an introductory understanding of professional responsibilities related to AAI. This workshop offers an informative foundation for participants interested in integrating animal assisted interventions into their clinical practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Examine the human-animal bond
- Identify the different classification of dogs
- Evaluate the benefits and risks of animal-assisted interventions
Research:
- Chandler, C.K. (2024). Animal-assisted therapy in counseling (4th ed). Routledge.
- Evans J. J. (2024). Assessing cultural, religious, and trauma influences in human-animal interactions for effective animal-assisted counseling. Animals: an open access journal from MDPI, 14(17), 2496. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14172496
- Fine, A. (Ed.). (2019). Handbook on animal assisted therapy: Foundations and guidelines for animal-assisted interventions (5th ed). Academic Press.
- Sterman, J. (2020). Human-animal interaction in social work: a call to action. Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 17(1), 47-54. Retrieved from 10-017-109-JSWVE-2020.pdf
Target Audience: social workers, mental health practitioners, creative arts therapists, marriage and facility therapists, psychologists, addiction professionals, case managers, and other interested individuals.
Customer ServiceWe are happy to respond to any concerns or questions you may have. Please contact us at by email at sw-ce@buffalo.edu or by phone at 716-829-5841.
Belinda Schlafer, LMHC, CCTP, EMDR-C
Belinda is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Houghton College with a minor in Sociology and a master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from St. Bonaventure University. Belinda is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and is certified in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR-C).
Belinda worked as Mental Health Counselor for Cuba Rushford Central School providing counseling services to staff. Prior to her work at Cuba-Rushford, Belinda worked in multiple roles for the Allegany County Department of Social Services in Adult Protective, PINS Reform, and Adoption and Home finding.
Belinda is the co-founder of the Officer Wellness Program. She is the creator and presenter of the Educator Wellness Program. Additionally, she is the founder and developer of, the Attorney Wellness Program, The Self-care and Wellness in the Child Protective and Healthcare Profession respectively. These programs provide participants with tools and resources needed to manage the stressors of their respective careers and achieve their best life possible. In 2024 Belinda opened her own wellness consulting practice, Compelled to B. Well, LLC.
Christine Miner, LMSW, VSW, KPA-CTP
Christine Miner is a NYS licensed master social worker who graduated from SUNY Albany. She has worked as an adjunct instructor for Siena College where she taught Animal Assisted Intervention and received her Veterinary Social Work Certificate from the University of Tennessee. Chris is a certified training partner credentialed through Karen Pryor Academy and is a therapy dog evaluator for Pet Partners. Currently Christine works as a training partner in Paws2Connect, LLC where she assists agencies in implementing, integrating and assessing facility dog programs. Christine has worked as a Juvenile probation officer and supervisor for Rensselaer County Probation for 30 years.
