Q. I have done an under-graduation in Psychology Honours from Panjab University. I am going for further studies in Canada. Should I opt for courses in animal-assisted therapy or first complete post-graduation in clinical psychology?
Yatri Buch, Jalandhar
A. With scientifically proven advantages for mental and physical health, animal-assisted therapy is gradually gaining popularity all over the world as a complementary therapy/alternative therapy. There have been constant efforts through research to transform this therapy into a mainstream one.
If you want to pursue a career as an animal-assisted therapist, you may do so by attending a certificate course, a part-time or a full-time programme. You can also seek an online courses. When you apply for a programme, make sure to examine the organisation’s credentials well.
To practice any form of psychotherapy, having a background in psychology or medicine can prove highly beneficial as it deals with a range of mental and neurological-related illnesses.
You need not be a psychologist to become an animal-assisted therapist. However, earning a certificate in therapy will not make you a psychologist unless you already are one. Generally, you require a higher education qualification in psychology to call yourself a psychologist.
On the other hand, you will be addressed as a psychologist if you pursue your master’s in clinical or any other field of psychology, for that matter. Clinical psychology is one of the most respected fields of psychology.
Therefore, having a postgraduate degree (called Graduation in Canada) in Clinical Psychology and then opting for animal-assisted therapy can make your profile appear much stronger.