The Chimo Project - Professional Involvement

The involvement of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatric and recreational aides, special education teachers, and other professionals who treat people in the mental health field are integral to this project. These therapists undergo a series of orientation sessions to the use of Animal-Assisted Therapy. The sessions, presented by The Chimo Project, provide information critical in Program Development, Risk Management, Policy Guidelines, the Humane and Safe Treatment of Animals, and Strategies on how to use animals as integral elements in therapy session.

CLIENT SELECTION

Each professional chooses clients that will benefit from special sessions of Animal-Assisted Therapy. Clients are selected that are predictable and able to handle the animals properly. Clients that are afraid of animals, have extreme allergies, or immune-suppressed, are not good candidates.

The professional and client will then meet with the animal educated for this purpose and it's owner to ensure compatibility.

Additional possibilites are also being considered.

Following a successful first meeting, the therapist will continue with therapy for 8 to 10 months, or until therapy ends.

The additional workload for the therapist is expected to be minimal.

An orientation manual and information session will be provided by the Chimo Project Staff.

Consent forms and other details will be produced by the Chimo Project Staff.

It is anticipated that animal-assisted therapy will be incorporated within the therapist's usual treatment methods.

INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR PROFESSIONALS

1. Therapists must meet the credentials and be licensed in their profession.
2. Documentation of valid credentials and/or licensure must be available on request. 3. Therapists will practice within the scope of their profession.
4. Therapists will demonstrate commitment and willingness to participate in the project.
5. Therapists will attend a seminar, or be provided with information on animal and risk management, and will demonstrate knowledge of such.
6. Therapists will set goals for AAT on an individual client basis.
7. Practice includes clientele meeting the inclusionary criteria (see below).
8. Therapists will be willing to complete study questionnaires at regular intervals and be interviewed at project completion with regard to the use of AAT.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR PROFESSIONALS

1. History of allergies to animals.
2. Dislike of animals.

INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR CLIENTS

1. Clients must currently meet the DSM-IV criteria for depression and/or Anxiety/Panic Disorder.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR CLIENTS

1. History of allergies to animals.
2. Fear or dislike of animals.
3. A history of abuse of dogs.
4. Immune suppression.









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Email: chimopro@telusplanet.net