We have been approached by a student from the University of Northampton who is looking to interview a number of therapists who are are currently delivering Animal Assisted Therapy to children and young people. If you are able to help please contact the student on the contact details below. Please note: The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) takes no responsibility for this research, and any queries or issues,must be directed to the researcher themselves.

If you are a therapist currently delivering Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) to children and young people aged 18 and below; and are interested in participating in a qualitative study exploring your perspective, keep reading!

I am in my final year of an MSc in Counselling Children and Young People at the University of Northampton. I have a keen interest in AAT and have noticed that there is very little research within this field which is why I have chosen AAT as a focus of my dissertation. The research, ‘A thematic analysis exploring therapist’s’ perspective of their use of Animal Assisted Therapy’, has cleared ethical approval by the ethics board at the university of Northampton.

Participant criteria:

A therapist currently utilising AAT with children and young people aged 18 and below
There are no restrictions on the animals used to support the therapy, the length of therapy or the time of AAT qualification.

Participation will include a 1-hour, face-to-face semi-structured interview addressing your views and perspective on your use of animal assisted therapy at a location, time and date to suit your needs.

For more information, or to share interest in participating, please email jess.parry17@my.northampton.ac.uk by Sunday 11 August 2019. On response, Jess will forward you the information sheet and demographic form with the consent form if you have shared that you would like to participate.