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AAT Overview and Experiential Examples

Enroll in the Online Self-Study course and complete it at your own pace.
6 CE hours available for behavioral health clinicians upon completion.

Behind every transformative therapeutic moment with an animal is a well-informed clinician who understands the science, ethics, and emotional depth of the human-animal bond. Without this foundation, even the most well-meaning animal-assisted interactions can lead to unintended harm—for both client and co-therapist.

If you’re a clinician drawn to the healing potential of animals, but unsure how to begin or how to practice responsibly, this self-paced course offers a clear, ethical, and evidence-informed path forward.

Enroll in the 6 CE Online Self-Study for $300

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Dr. Christina Strayer brings decades of clinical and instructional experience to this dynamic course. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Supervisor, Animal Assisted Therapist-Interventionist, and Pet Partner Team Evaluator, Dr. Strayer blends clinical theory with hands-on animal-assisted therapy experience across a wide range of settings. Her approach integrates holistic healing with evidence-based practices and deep respect for animals as co-therapists.

With a client-centered and experiential approach, Dr. Strayer guides learners through a blend of foundational knowledge, real-life examples, video demonstrations, and reflective exercises designed to deepen understanding and inspire practical application. Her instruction emphasizes ethical practice, animal welfare, and integrating AAT interventions across treatment goals and settings.

This self-study course explores the history and ethical foundations of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), the Biophilia Hypothesis, and the human-animal bond. Learners will differentiate between AAA, AAI, and AAT, understand the competencies needed for safe practice, examine therapeutic models like the Triangle and Diamond, and study species-specific behavioral signals. Through experiential examples—ranging from horses and goats to domestic animals—participants will discover how to match interventions with treatment goals and theoretical orientation.

Dr. Christina Strayer Headshot

Instructor

Dr. Christina Strayer, Ed.D, LCMHCS, AAT-I, THTC, CYT-200, NLC-P, is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Supervisor, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist-Associate, Pet Partner Team Evaluator, Animal Assisted Therapist-Interventionist, and Life Coach with her coaching practice Energy Coaching with Horses and Others (E.C.H.O.) in North Carolina. She is trained in a variety of Integrative Therapies including Art, Yoga, and Mindfulness. Her theoretical approach is Client-centered and Holistic. Along with her mini goats, avian, equine, canine, and crustacean helpers, Christina combines her study of the power of the human-animal bond in healing with proven counseling theories and techniques to guide clients in reaching their goals. 

She has a diverse background in counseling and teaching. She is the Lead Instructor for the Animal Assisted Therapy Interventionist (AAT-I) certification course.

Read more about Dr. Strayer here.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand why AAT works: Gain insight into the Biophilia Hypothesis and how it supports the therapeutic role of animals.

  • Apply AAT ethically and safely: Learn to recognize risks, establish safe practices, and uphold ethical standards for both clients and animals.

  • Integrate AAT into clinical practice: Explore how to match AAT methods with professional competencies and diverse client needs.

Why this course?

  • Expert-led instruction: Learn from a nationally recognized AAT instructor with a deep background in behavioral health and human-animal interaction.

  • Rich experiential content: Course includes practical case studies, species-specific behavioral insights, and video-based exercises for deeper learning.

  • Ethics and standards focused: Clear guidance on how to integrate AAT within your scope of practice, aligned with professional guidelines.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the Biophilia Hypothesis and its connection to the Human-Animal Bond

  • Describe the Psychosocial, Emotional, and Physiological Benefits of AAT

  • Identify the dangers and risks associated with practicing AAT

  • Describe the competencies necessary to ethically and effectively practice AAT

Whether you're just beginning your journey with animal-assisted interventions or looking to deepen your practice, this training offers a comprehensive, thoughtful, and ethical introduction. Let this be your first confident step into the field of Animal-Assisted Therapy.

Add to cart to begin learning instantly.

This is a non-interactive, self-study course. It consists of 360+ minutes of video instruction, reading assignments and written responses, a post-test and an evaluation.

*This course is Course 8 (of 8) of the AAT-I Credential Program and can be taken individually, or as a part of the full program.

Please note: Textbooks are required to complete the full AAT-I program. However, this course does NOT require textbooks; all reading material for this course is included with course enrollment. (See "Requirements" tab for specifics.)

Enroll in the 6 CE Online Self-Study for $300

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Availability: From the time of registration, you have six months to access the coursework.

Who Should Attend: This course is intended for clinicians who provide behavioral health services.

Teaching Methods: This is a non-interactive, self-study course. Teaching methods for this course include recorded lectures, videos, a post-test, and a course evaluation.

How to attend: Directions for completing a course can be found by clicking here.

This program was updated on August 15, 2023.

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