Krysten Bisby is an esteemed counselor and advocate for animal-assisted therapy, harnessing her extensive experience with animals to support mental health and well-being. With a background in competitive horse riding, she has drawn on her lifelong passion for animals, including her therapeutic partner Cruz, a certified therapy dog, to enhance her counseling practice. She is notably involved in para-dressage riding at an international level, working with riders who have disabilities. Furthermore, she has transitioned from being a teacher to a counselor, focusing on creating safe spaces for young people to discuss their concerns and work towards mental wellness. Krysten operates KB Counseling Collective and partners with organisations like Riding for the Disabled at Tall Timbers in Sydney to provide therapy incorporating animals.

Key Takeaways:

• Krysten Bisby emphasises the importance of safe environments in therapy, crucially non-traditional approaches that involve animal companionship.
• Animal-assisted therapy facilitates tangible benefits for emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, and developing social skills.
• Pet therapy involves a certified partnership between handler and animal, requiring rigorous training and assessment.
• Non-verbal communication and repetitive activities with animals significantly aid in engaging clients who struggle with verbal processing.
• Activities with therapy animals can transform feelings of being 'different' or struggles into therapeutic experiences of social connection and emotional growth.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I think horses were kind of that escape and that time for me that I just felt a bit free really, being out in the paddock and riding."
2. "If there had just been someone at school that I could have talked to, or who could have said, ‘Hey, what's happening for you?’"
3. "Research shows that being around animals reduces cortisol, releases oxytocin, and has physical effects like lowering blood pressure and decreasing heart rate."
4. "For me, it's about equipping clients to have skills and strategies to manage themselves in everyday struggles."
5. "I think when you take away some of that focus of therapist with client and you add an animal, it's super regulatory, a calming presence."

Resources:

• Visit KB Counselling Collective's Website
• Visit KB Counseling Collective on Facebook for more information about Krysten Bisby's work.
• Explore services at Riding for the Disabled at Tall Timbers in Box Hill.
• Contact Krysten here for counseling inquiries in Sydney.

Join us by listening to the full episode for more insightful discussions about the healing power of animals in therapeutic settings. Stay tuned to "Raising Teens" for more episodes tapping into the well-being of young individuals.

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