Become a Certified Professional in Animal-Assisted Wellness Therapy
The Professional Animal-Assisted Wellness Therapy Diploma (PAAW) at Rhodes Wellness College is a experiential program that trains individuals to ethically and skillfully integrate animals into therapeutic and coaching practices. As the first program of its kind offered by a private college in British Columbia, it merges the richness of trauma-informed care, coaching psychology, ethology, and mindfulness to create a powerful modality for wellness and healing.
More Than Just a Love for Animals – A Profession with Purpose
In a world seeking deeper connection and holistic healing, the demand for Animal-Assisted Wellness (PAAW) is growing. Whether you want to start a private practice or enhance your current coaching/counselling career, our 52-week diploma provides the ethical framework and clinical skills to lead the way.
Why Our Professional Animal-Assisted Wellness Therapy Diploma Stands Out
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Experiential Learning: Don’t just read about it; experience it. Our program focuses on hands-on, relational practices with animal partners.
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ICF Aligned: Start with a foundation in Life Skills Coaching. You’ll be eligible to pursue your Associate Certified Coach (ACC) designation with the International Coaching Federation.
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Ethics & Consent First: Learn to work with animals (horses, dogs, farm animals) based on choice, consent, and deep attunement.
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Trauma-Informed Focus: Master somatic awareness and biopsychosocial frameworks to support diverse client needs effectively.
The program begins with the Life Skills Coach Certificate, preparing students for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) designation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), before diving into advanced animal-assisted wellness training.
Graduates of the PAAW program are prepared to:
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Launch private practices or wellness businesses
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Integrate animal-assisted modalities into existing helping professions
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Collaborate with organizations in healthcare, education, or community services
Where Will Your Diploma Take You?
Our graduates don’t just get a certificate; they launch careers.
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Animal-Assisted Wellness Therapist or Coach
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Private Practice Owner
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Educational or Healthcare Consultant
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Activities Facilitator in Community Services
Whether you are looking to launch a brand-new practice or bring a profound, nature-based dimension to your existing helping profession, the Professional Animal-Assisted Wellness Therapy Diploma is your gateway to a career of deep impact. By joining this program, you aren’t just gaining a credential; you are joining a movement that honors the sentience of animals and the transformative power of the human-animal bond. Don’t wait to turn your passion for healing and your love for animals into a specialized, professional vocation.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the British Columbia Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
