Session 1: Foundations of Animal-Assisted Interventions: Origins, Definitions, and the Healing Power of the Human-Animal Connection
Patricia Flaherty-Fischette, PhD · Shannon Kopp · Abby Sarrett-Cooper
iaedp Foundation Webinar Series: Animals as Partners in Healing: A SoulPaws Clinical Foundations Series in Animal-Assisted Interventions
This introductory session establishes the conceptual and theoretical foundations of Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI). Participants will learn the history and origins of the human-animal bond, core terminology, and the theoretical underpinnings of the field, along with the distinctions between its major forms: Animal-Assisted Therapy, Animal-Assisted Activities, and Animal-Assisted Education. The
session will also introduce culturally responsive and inclusive frameworks for AAI practice, equipping clinicians with a solid grounding before moving into applied and ethical considerations in later sessions.
The first module explores the conceptual foundations of AAI, theoretical underpinnings of the field, terminology, and differentiation between types of AAI (ex: Animal-Assisted Therapy, Animal-Assisted Activities, and Animal-Assisted Education). This module will also include information on the history of AAI and the human-animal connection. The second module will focus on best practices for AAI and ethical treatment of animals when partnering with an animal. The third module will explore ways to implement AAI and practical applications of AAI with regulatory disorders (which includes eating disorders).
Target Audience
Psychologist, Social Worker, Counselor, Marriage & Family Therapist, Creative Arts Therapist, Nurse, Psychoanalyst, Dietitian, Physician, Dietetic Technician, Physician Assistant
Format
Virtual Event
Speakers
Speakers (5 presenters)
Browse the full list of speakers to view bios and associated sessions.
Agenda
Session 2: Ethical Practice in Animal-Assisted Interventions: Animal Welfare, Competencies, and Clinical Objectives
Shannon Kopp · Patricia Flaherty-Fischette, PhD · Tristan Barsky, PsyD, ABPP, CEDS
Session 3: Animal-Assisted Interventions in Practice: Applications for Eating Disorders and Behavioral Health
Shannon Kopp · Patricia Flaherty-Fischette, PhD · Wendy Foulds Mathes
CE Info
3
Maximum CE credit hours
Across 3 sessions over 3 days.
In support of improving patient care, CE Learning Systems is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
Completion of this RD/DTR profession-specific or IPCE activity awards CPEUs (1 IPCE credits = 1 CPEU). If the activity is dietetics related but not targeted to RDs or DTRs, CPEUs may be claimed which are commensurate with participation in contact hours (1 hour/60 minutes = 1 CPEU). RDs and DTRs are to select activity type 102 in their Activity Logs. Performance Indicator selection is at the learner’s discretion.
CE Learning Systems designates this live activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Successful completion of this program qualifies for up to 3 contact hours for nurses.
Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, CE Learning Systems is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive up to 3 clinical continuing education credits.
iaedp™ is approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), provider number 5912.
CE Learning Systems, LLC (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers. #0060.
CE Learning Systems, LLC (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board of Creative Arts Therapy as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0008
CE Learning Systems, LLC (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0072.
CE Learning Systems, LLC (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychoanalysts as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychoanalysts. #P-0031.
CE Learning Systems, LLC (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists. #PSY-0016.
CE Learning Systems, LLC (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Marriage and Family Therapy as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists. #MFT-0045.
Policies & CE process
Refund Policy
iaedp Foundation does not provide refunds for events and courses. If you believe your case is an extreme circumstance, approvals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be possible less 5% credit card processing fee. Please email continuingeducation@iaedpfoundation.com with your information, including name, event/course, amount paid, and reason for request. To review, click the Refund Policy.
Reserve your seat
From $40 · Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 – Thu, Dec 3 2026 · Virtual Event