Scheduling and Further Information
The first step of the animal-assisted session is a brief consultation with the parents, where we discuss the child’s situation, needs, and goals. After that, we decide together how to most effectively support their development with the involvement of a therapeutic support animal.
Inquiries can be made via any of the following email addresses.
How Can It Help?
- Anxiety
- Behavioral difficulties
- Emotion regulation challenges
- Grief and loss
- Selective mutism
- Autism
- Communication difficulties
- Trauma processing
Who Can We Help?
Children aged 5–16 years
What Tools Do We Use?
- Playing with the animal
- Tasks and exercises involving the animal
- The animal’s presence, touch, petting, and listening to its heartbeat
- Conversations about the animal, or “with” the animal
During the sessions, a dog and a rabbit assist in the work.
Expected Outcomes
Improvement or resolution of the issues described above.
Schedule
45–60 minutes / once a week or every two weeks
Where It Is Available
1036 Budapest Szépvölgyi út 1/b. 4. floor 15. door
1117 Budapest Nándorfejérvári út 13. ELTE Kollégium
Session Fee
XXX HUF per session
More Information (click here)
Participation Requirements for Animal-Assisted Sessions
A child may only participate in an animal-assisted session with written parental consent. The child must be able to follow rules in the presence of the animal (e.g., not pulling its fur, not hitting it, not running toward it uncontrollably). If the child’s behavioral or emotional difficulties pose a risk to themselves or the animal, the session may need to be modified or the child may be excluded.
Additional Conditions:
- Allergy exclusion: If the child has animal fur, dust, or pollen allergies, participation must be carefully considered.
- Exclusion due to infectious diseases: Children with fever or contagious illnesses cannot attend the session.
- Fear of animals or trauma: Participation cannot be forced; it is only possible on a voluntary basis.
The session is co-led
Dr. Zsófia Böddi
educational psychologist, university lecturer, preschool psychologist, canine therapy facilitator
Renáta Kővári-Bencze
sensorimotor movement therapist, coach, grief counselor, and canine therapy facilitator
