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The History of AAT and AAT Principles

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

The History of AAT and AAT Principles

Discover how the human-animal bond has shaped healing practices for centuries—and how today’s clinicians can ethically and effectively integrate Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) into their work. This course explores the foundational history, guiding principles, and key theories of AAT to help you build a meaningful, evidence-informed practice grounded in empathy and connection.

Animal-Assisted Therapy holds immense potential for clinicians seeking alternative ways to foster trust, rapport, and emotional safety in treatment—especially for clients who may struggle with traditional therapeutic models. This course invites you to explore the rich history and proven potential of AAT as a clinically sound, ethically guided intervention.

Enroll in the 2 CE Online Self-Study for $100

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Dr. Christina Strayer, Ed.D, LCMHCS, AAT-I, THTC, CYT-200, is a nationally recognized expert in Animal-Assisted Therapy and the lead instructor of the AAT Interventionist Certification program. With decades of experience integrating animal companions into therapeutic practice, Dr. Strayer brings both academic expertise and real-world insight into how and why AAT works.

Her teaching is holistic, experiential, and grounded in evidence-based theory. By combining biophilic principles, counseling research, and clinical applications, she equips clinicians with a framework to understand AAT’s role in healing and how it can enhance client outcomes when applied with care and competence.

Topics covered include the historical roots of AAT, ethical considerations, definitions and distinctions between AAA, AAI, and AAT, the Biophilia hypothesis, and the essential characteristics of the Human-Animal Bond. The course also highlights major AAT contributors and key studies supporting AAT’s therapeutic benefits.

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. Her private practice is Animal Assisted Therapy of the Triangle.  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. She has served as an adjunct professor at Campbell University in the Counselor Education department.

Read more about Dr. Strayer here.

Key Takeaways:

  • Clarity on ethical standards: Gain a deep understanding of how professional codes of ethics apply in telehealth settings and across state lines.

  • Confidence in complex situations: Learn how to analyze, navigate, and resolve ethical dilemmas in telemental health using practical decision-making models.

  • Protection for clients and clinicians: Strengthen your ability to safeguard client confidentiality and navigate dual roles, all while staying compliant with legal standards.

Why this course?

  • A trusted authority: Dr. Ann Ordway’s unique combination of legal and clinical expertise ensures a comprehensive and credible learning experience.

  • Immediate application: Clinicians will walk away with tools and strategies they can apply right away to ethically strengthen their telehealth practice.

  • Backed by excellence: Offered by the Telehealth Certification Institute, a leader in behavioral health education committed to innovation, integrity, and client-centered care.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss the specific provisions of various professional codes of ethics that guide telehealth practice in behavioral health.

  • Identify at least two ethical dilemmas that might arise in the context of providing telehealth services and apply ethical decision-making processes to resolve these dilemmas.

  • Explore the challenges of maintaining confidentiality and managing dual relationships in the context of telehealth.

  • Evaluate the implications of telehealth on informed consent and documentation practices in behavioral health services.

Whether you're curious about how AAT can transform your clinical relationships or preparing to pursue AAT certification, this course offers an inspiring and informative first step. Allow yourself to explore the healing power of the human-animal connection through the lens of evidence, ethics, and clinical excellence.

Add to cart to begin learning instantly.

This is a non-interactive, self-study course. It consists of 60+ minutes of video instruction, reading assignments and written responses, a post test and an evaluation.

Enroll in the 2 CE Online Self-Study for $100

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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 September 20, 2023.

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