PAWsitivity provides Animal Assisted Services and Counselling sessions. We abide by professional standards. Mullumbimby Therapy with a difference.

PAWsitivity has a particular focus in the provision of a service which focuses on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of the child/young person and those who care for them.  The service seeks to build on the existing resilience and strengths to build on social and emotional wellbeing.

PAWsitivity will directly liaise with parents/caregivers by providing information regarding the progress made toward the relevant therapeutic goals of the child or young person. Reviews of these goals will be monitored and provided by the counsellor whilst collaboratively working with parents/ caregivers.

PAWsitivity’ s service provision is guided by the AASW Practice Standards (2013) and AASW Code of Ethics (2010) which are upheld by the values of the Social Work profession of: social justice, respect for persons and professional integrity. The components of this practice include culturally responsive and inclusive practice, and professional development and regular supervision. As a PAWsitivity team we maintain a commitment to learning by engaging in continuing professional development as outlined in the AASW Continuing Professional Development requirements and supervision. PAWsitivity implements and regularly reviews a professional development plan in line with AASW requirements.

The canine certification standards for the therapy dog, Belle, are in line with the International Society of Animal Assisted Therapy (ISAAT) an organisation dedicated to quality assurance in the practice of animal assisted interventions. ISAAT follows strict criteria and promotes official recognition of animal assisted interventions as a valid therapeutic form of intervention which supports salutogenesis and toward the official recognition of persons who have studied accredited curricula as specialist for AAI in their perspective fields; in this case Social Work.

Also, in line with the International Association of Human – Animal Interaction Organisation (IAHAIO) guidelines. The International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) is the global association of organizations that engage in practice, research and/or education in animal assisted activity, animal assisted therapy, and service animal training.  These activities serve to promote pet ownership, the human-animal bond, and respectful approaches to engaging with animals.