Lynn Carlson and Leisa Young will discuss how they use Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) in their work with children and families as part of their OVC grant. They will discuss what animal assisted interventions are and how they are used. They will also discuss safety and ethical considerations when using AAT. There will be plenty of time for questions!
Lynn Carlson MS, LCMHCS, CAAP is the Executive Director of the 30th Judicial District Domestic Violence-Sexual Assault Alliance, Inc. She has been a clinical mental health therapist for 17 years working primarily with youth that have endured trauma. She has extensive training in trauma-focused treatment modalities and is Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA) certified. She has completed the Certificate of Education in Animal Assisted Psychotherapy (CAAP) from Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado. Lynn has been working with her furry co-therapist, Julip for almost 8 years in a variety of settings, including community mental health, victim services, schools, social services, child advocacy centers, senior day programs, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and judicial settings. Lynn completed an equine-assisted therapy graduate internship. She combines her love of animals, passion for helping youth heal and clinical knowledge in her AAT work.
Leisa Young BSW, AKC evaluator, is currently the owner/trainer at WNC Pawsabilities focusing on canine obedience, behavioral issues, therapy, and service dog training. She has extensive experience working in the social work field supporting adults and children with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health disorders in community, day treatment and residential settings. Leisa’s lifelong passions for dogs and helping people have culminated in her endeavor as a specialized dog trainer. She is currently an American Kennel Club (AKC) evaluator for Canine Good Citizen, S.T.A.R Puppy, AKC trick dog and other approved canine evaluations. She provides AAT interventions, training, and supervision for the 30th Judicial District Domestic Violence-Sexual Assault Alliance, Inc. therapy dog team.