Can Animals Help Humans Heal? Animal-Assisted Interventions in Adolescent Mental Health
Sunday, March 28th, 2004
"Animal-assisted therapy for at-risk youth and families" Maureen Fredrickson, M.S.W. & Molly DePrekel, M.A., L.P.
Abstract:
This presentation offers theory-based treatment options for adolescents with mental health challenges including disruptive behavior disorders and early childhood trauma. The MN LYNC animal-assisted therapy program is designed to aid clients in reaching increased levels of intimacy, and manage a wide range of emotions with appropriate affect.
Specifically designed human-animal interactions provide corrective emotional experiences for clients with mental health diagnosis. These interactions build self-confidence and increase competency in problem solving skills. The session will provide an overview of the theory behind treatment protocols, methods, and case results.
Preliminary research findings, both quantitative and qualitative, will also be presented.
Bio:
Throughout her career as a social worker, Maureen Fredrickson has incorporated animals in the treatment of behavior disorders in adults with developmental disabilities, and survivors of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. As Vice President of Programs for Delta Society, she provided direction and focus for national program services and curriculum development. Maureen is the creator of the Pet Partners Program (Winner, Points of Light Award, 1994). Maureen has been recognized internationally as a consultant on the human-animal bond and development of animal-assisted therapy programs.
Maureen Fredrickson is Executive Director of Minnesota Linking Youth, Nature and
Critters (MN LYNC), a therapeutic farm providing AAT services to youth and
individuals with disruptive disorders and early childhood trauma. Maureen
is an experienced equestrian, livestock manager, and TTouch practitioner.
She provides consultation and education on the benefits of animals in mental
health and education programs. Her specialty is in determining which animal
species and interactions best effect client outcomes.
Bio:
Molly DePrekel is a psychologist in private practice and for the past twelve years, has utilized the unique relationship people have with animals to assist her in therapy with clients. She has practiced in hospitals, educational settings, mental health facilities, correctional sites, and outreach centers. Her journey continues to focus on facilitating growth and transformation with individuals in their therapeutic work while also providing them with a safe, nurturing setting. Molly has a strong belief in the power of group therapy and the insight this setting can provide for relationship building. Her strengths include work with adolescents, families, and young women. She completed an internship at Green Chimneys in New York and continues to utilize animals in her therapy work by working with dogs and horses as animal-assisted therapists. She is involved with research in other areas of animal-assisted therapy and is on the board of the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association (EFMHA). Molly resides in Minneapolis, MN with her dog, Mariah, a registered Delta Society Pet PartnerŪ.
