Close Menu
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Monday, October 13
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Peninsula Kids
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
Peninsula Kids
Home»Health»Animal assisted therapy
Health

Animal assisted therapy

5 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

The Secret to Building Confidence in Children

By Brooklyn Storme

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative intervention that supports the healthy emotional development of children. But what is it and how does it work?

AAT is an approach to wellness that involves the child, the practitioner and the animal. The animal’s role is to do most of the therapeutic work with the practitioner being there for guidance and handling. AAT is more than just taking your pet to work because the animal has to have been trained in interventions or strategies to help the child.

A good AAT practitioner will have attended formal training with their animal and while there are equine AAT practitioners on the peninsula, the most commonly used animal is a canine. Using a canine as an example, the owner would first take the dog to training. There, the canine would be trained and tested for temperament and obedience. It’s also very important that the animal is taught a selection of ‘tricks’ because this can help engagement especially with shy or unconfident little ones. There may also be some children who are afraid of dogs. In these cases, AAT would begin with the practitioner talking with the child about dogs and about their fears. When ready, the next step would be to talk about the therapy dog and so the practitioner might tell funny stories about the dog to the child. From there, the practitioner and child might look at videos or photos of the therapy dog and so on.

When the child is ready, the practitioner will talk with the parents or guardian about next steps. They will explain the process of AAT and discuss the occupational health and safety matters associated with the service. Just like the practitioner has to ensure the safety of the child, the practitioner also has to ensure the safety of the canine or animal.  When ready, the child will be introduced to the animal and this could begin with a simple observation (the child observing the animal). Eventually, when the child becomes de-sensitised or used to the animal, next steps can take place. The practitioner might teach the child how best to approach the dog, how the dog likes to be patted (or not).

CASE STUDY – AAT can be very rewarding.

There was a child that came to the practice and he was very shy. His name was Max and he was six years old. Max barely spoke and when he did, he would look down at the ground, mumble very softly into his chest and avoid eye contact. We thought AAT might work with Max because we knew he liked small dogs. So we arranged a meeting. At first, Max was curious about Gabe (our AAT canine) but he still sat slumped over in the chair, watching Gabe from under his long fringe. With encouragement, Max eventually attempted to give a command to Gabe. He told Gabe to ‘sit’. Gabe ignored Max and kept doing his own thing. So we encouraged Max to try some more and gave him some pointers on how to get Gabe to listen. In time, Max stood up and when he did, he got Gabe’s attention. Gabe was looking and waiting for Max to say something. In a firm voice and with a pointed finger, Max gave the command ‘sit’ and Gabe promptly sat. Max was very surprised! Max gave Gabe a treat and a pat and then tried again. Again, Gabe responded and Max gave him a pat. Max was starting to get the hang of it.

So I explained a few more commands to Max and he tried each one in turn and guess what? Gabe responded to every single one of them!  Max learned that in order to be heard and to have a voice, he needed to stand up and use his voice with confidence. So what happened next? Well, Max came back and met with Gabe two more times and his teacher and parents reported significant gains in confidence at home and at school. Max was interacting with peers more effectively, was performing better in class because he was able to focus and concentrate and he was enjoying being able to disagree with mum and dad at home sometimes.  Max doesn’t come for counselling anymore but he often sends Gabe an email to keep in touch. This is just one example of how AAT can sometimes help in cases where even the most educated and skilled clinicians might not be as effective.

WHERE TO FROM HERE?

AAT is currently not a regulated profession in Australia although guidelines are being prepared to ensure that all practitioners are adequately trained (as are their pets), and to ensure that all pets meet the minimum requirements for temperament, obedience and physical fitness (ie are vaccinated, free of parasites and so forth). If you’re thinking of AAT for your child be sure to inquire as to the training or education that the practitioner has completed so that you can make an informed decision about next steps.  Most of all, have fun!


Dr. Brooklyn Storme, PhD is the Director and head psychologist at All Psyched Up, a mindfulness-based allied health practice on the Mornington Peninsula. When she’s not at work, she’s usually teaching Gabe new tricks or spiking up his purple Mohawk.

Facebook: allpsychedup  Ph: 8765 2434

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Comments are closed.

Calendar
Today
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
28
29
30
31
1
2
12:00 AM - RESET
9:00 AM - Red Hill Community Market
7:15 PM - AFLW - Round 1 Hawthorn vs Essendon
3
11:00 AM - DAD SKATES FREE on Father's Day at Sk8house
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
12:00 AM - KICKBrick Toys school holiday hire
16
9:30 AM - PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie adventure at SEA LIFE Melbourne
10:00 AM - Spring School Holidays at Boneo Discovery Park
17
9:00 AM - Mt Martha Briars Market
18
19
20
21
22
23
9:00 AM - Little Beauty Market
24
9:00 AM - Point Nepean Portsea Market
25
26
27
28
29
11:00 AM - Celebrate the AFL Grand Final Long Weekend at Sk8house
30
1
RESET
02 Sep
September 2, 2023    
All Day
Fed Square
  • Family Activity
  • Festival/Expo
  • School Holidays
  • Workshop/Class
This September, Melbourne’s iconic Fed Square is home to RESET – a month-long festival focussing on biodiversity, connecting with nature, and promoting easy and practical [...]
More Info
Red Hill Community Market
02 Sep
September 2, 2023    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Red Hill Recreation Reserve
  • Markets
Red Hill is the 'grand dame' of Victoria's craft markets. Located in one of the State's most picturesque settings, Red Hill Community Market started in [...]
More Info
AFLW - Round 1 Hawthorn vs Essendon
02 Sep
September 2, 2023    
7:15 pm - 9:30 pm
Frankston Football Ground
  • Other
✨ AFLW under lights in Frankston was a huge hit and it is back for Round 1 with Hawthorn vs Essendon at Kinetic Stadium. First bounce is [...]
More Info
DAD SKATES FREE on Father's Day at Sk8house
03 Sep
September 3, 2023    
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
This Father's Day, let's show our incredible dads some extra love and appreciation at the Father's Day Skate at Sk8house Date: Sunday Sept 3rd 2023 [...]
More Info
KICKBrick Toys school holiday hire
15 Sep
September 15, 2023 - October 1, 2023    
All Day
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
KICKBrick Toys are simple but super fun kids construction toys used to entertain, challenge & teach. The KICKBricks are the same size as a house [...]
More Info
PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie adventure at SEA LIFE Melbourne
16 Sep
September 16, 2023 - October 1, 2023    
9:30 am - 5:00 pm
SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
Meet Chase at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and help the Mighty Pups rescue the missing sea creatures from the supervillains to celebrate the September school [...]
More Info
Spring School Holidays at Boneo Discovery Park
16 Sep
September 16, 2023 - October 1, 2023    
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Boneo Discovery Park
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
  • Workshop/Class
Get ready for a fun and creative school holiday experience with our series of Spring-based nature crafts! Join us at Boneo Discovery Park and unleash [...]
More Info
Mt Martha Briars Market
17 Sep
September 17, 2023    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Briars
  • Markets
Situated at one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most beloved and iconic locations, the upcoming Briars Craft and Produce Market will no doubt be a lovely [...]
More Info
Little Beauty Market
23 Sep
September 23, 2023    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Beauty Park
  • Markets
Little Beauty is a stunning market brought to you by the creators of the super popular Emu Plains Market in Balnarring. This highly curated market [...]
More Info
Point Nepean Portsea Market
24 Sep
September 24, 2023    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Portsea Quarantine Station Point Nepean National Park
  • Markets
Located in one of the State's most picturesque settings, this market has so much to offer. Flowers bunched and potted spill out onto the walkway [...]
More Info
Celebrate the AFL Grand Final Long Weekend at Sk8house
29 Sep
September 29, 2023 - October 1, 2023    
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
Celebrate the AFL Grand Final Long Weekend at Sk8house! Are you ready for an action-packed long weekend that combines the excitement of footy with the [...]
More Info
Events on September 2, 2023
02 Sep
RESET
2 Sep 23
Melbourne
02 Sep
Red Hill Community Market
2 Sep 23
Red Hill
02 Sep
AFLW - Round 1 Hawthorn vs Essendon
2 Sep 23
Frankston
Events on September 3, 2023
03 Sep
DAD SKATES FREE on Father's Day at Sk8house
3 Sep 23
Carrum Downs
Events on September 15, 2023
15 Sep
KICKBrick Toys school holiday hire
15 Sep 23
Events on September 16, 2023
16 Sep
PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie adventure at SEA LIFE Melbourne
16 Sep 23
Melbourne
16 Sep
Spring School Holidays at Boneo Discovery Park
16 Sep 23
Fingal
Events on September 17, 2023
17 Sep
Mt Martha Briars Market
17 Sep 23
Mount Martha
Events on September 23, 2023
23 Sep
Little Beauty Market
23 Sep 23
Frankston
Events on September 24, 2023
24 Sep
Point Nepean Portsea Market
24 Sep 23
Portsea VIC 3944, Australia
Events on September 29, 2023
29 Sep
Celebrate the AFL Grand Final Long Weekend at Sk8house
29 Sep 23
Carrum Downs
Visit Our Advertisers
ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Instagram
Brand-New, Architecturally Designed Childcare Centre
State-of-the-art learning for children 6 weeks to school years
Trusted for Over 30 Years
Locally owned and established since 1991
Limited placements remain
Secure your child’s enrolment  today
For parents who want the very best, this centre brings together generations of experience and the Peninsula’s most dedicated educators
Now Open - Book your tour today to meet the team

(03) 5978 0808
enrolments@lgh.com.au
1408 Nepean Highway Mount Eliza 3930
•
Follow
Brand-New, Architecturally Designed Childcare Centre State-of-the-art learning for children 6 weeks to school years Trusted for Over 30 Years Locally owned and established since 1991 Limited placements remain Secure your child’s enrolment today For parents who want the very best, this centre brings together generations of experience and the Peninsula’s most dedicated educators Now Open - Book your tour today to meet the team (03) 5978 0808 enrolments@lgh.com.au 1408 Nepean Highway Mount Eliza 3930
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!!

Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW!
https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/

@harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!!

Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW!
https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/

@harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
•
Follow
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!! Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025. Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW! https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/ @harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
50 + 30 then take away 2. 

#mathsbemathing
•
Follow
50 + 30 then take away 2. #mathsbemathing
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Farewell September. 🫡 

Credit: Mums Lounge
mumslounge
•
Follow
Farewell September. 🫡 Credit: Mums Lounge mumslounge
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
🔥🔥🔥🤣
•
Follow
🔥🔥🔥🤣
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays 
 
Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday.

https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school-
holidays-parc-county-fair/
@parcfrankston
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays 
 
Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday.

https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school-
holidays-parc-county-fair/
@parcfrankston
•
Follow
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday. https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school- holidays-parc-county-fair/ @parcfrankston
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Older Reader Pack
Selection of books suitable for older readers, 8+ years/teens/adults valued at $225.

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Older Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for older readers, 8+ years/teens/adults valued at $225. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Younger Reader Pack
Selection of books suitable for younger readers preschool age plus valued at $260.

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Younger Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for younger readers preschool age plus valued at $260. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Nano-Mals
Hasbro is excited to introduce Nano-Mals, their brand-new line of interactive, pocket-sized electronic pets that are here to win hearts… literally! The handheld Nano-Mals team the appeal of digital pets with the fun play of fidget toys, creating a sensory experience specifically designed for today’s kids.

Measuring just 6.9 cm, Nano-Mals are perfectly pocket-sized with an oversized personality.

Nano-Mals are the ultimate gift for kids who love fidget toys, animals, and interactive digital fun. With unlimited ways to care, style, and connect, this new range is set to be the must-have mini pet of the year.

These collectibles are available now in major retailers including Big W, Target, and independent toy stores.

RRP: $25.00 each

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER HERE:
https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Nano-Mals Hasbro is excited to introduce Nano-Mals, their brand-new line of interactive, pocket-sized electronic pets that are here to win hearts… literally! The handheld Nano-Mals team the appeal of digital pets with the fun play of fidget toys, creating a sensory experience specifically designed for today’s kids. Measuring just 6.9 cm, Nano-Mals are perfectly pocket-sized with an oversized personality. Nano-Mals are the ultimate gift for kids who love fidget toys, animals, and interactive digital fun. With unlimited ways to care, style, and connect, this new range is set to be the must-have mini pet of the year. These collectibles are available now in major retailers including Big W, Target, and independent toy stores. RRP: $25.00 each **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE: https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay In The Know

Sign up to our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on events and things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.