SWG 591 - Animal-Human Connections
This course focuses on two broad areas:
(1) the link between animal abuse and other forms of violence such as domestic violence, child and elder abuse; and (2) the powerful potential that positive connections with animals have for healing and promoting resiliency in human beings while at the same time benefiting the animals. Issues of prevention, treatment and program development are examined. 

The course considers animal-human connections within an ecological and empowerment context, and works to build sensitivity to various cultural contexts. 

Prerequisites: SWG 511 or permission of instructor. Open to the public with at least a bachelors’ degree and instructor permission. If interested contact Dr. Christina Risley-Curtiss at 602-496-0083 or risley.curtiss@asu.edu.

Note: these are non-credit online course offered in the fall (TAA1) and Spring ( TAA2 ). To register for either, contact Dr. Christina Risley-Curtiss at 602-496-0083 or risley.curtiss@asu.edu

TAA1 Human-Other Animal Relationships (14 weeks), available Fall semesters
This course focuses on two broad areas of current significance for health and human service professionals;(1) the link between non-human animal abuse and other forms of violence such as domestic violence, child and elder abuse; and (2) the powerful potential that positive connections with other animals have for healing and promoting resiliency in human beings while at the same time benefiting other animals. This course examines issues of prevention and treatment; it considers animals across the human life span, non-human animal abuse, and healing connections within an ecological and empowerment context; and works to build sensitivity to various cultural contexts. This is a prerequisite for courses TAA2 for students pursuing one of the two certificates.

TAA2 Assessment and Treatment of Animal Abuse (14 weeks), available in Spring semesters
This course presents the AniCare and AniCare Child models of treating animal cruelty. AniCare provides an assessment and treatment approach for adults (age 17 and older) who abuse animals. Based on a well-established clinical theory and interventions for perpetrators of domestic violence, AniCare emphasizes the social-psychological causes of violence. The cognitive-behavioral approach provides clinical exercises with homework assignments through a manual, a demonstration DVD, and clinical case materials. Anicare keys on issues of accountability and relationship.

AniCare Child is an assessment and treatment approach for children (up to age 16) who have abused animals. Building on cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and attachment theories. AniCare Child keys on empathy-building and self-management. Through a manual,  demonstration DVD, and clinical case materials, students are introduced to a variety of exercises and other tools, such as puppet role play and projective material.