In Person - "Trauma-Informed Animal Assisted Therapy"

In Person - Membership Meeting - In Person

"Trauma-Informed Animal Assisted Therapy" with Stephanie Cotcher, LCSW, PPSC

This presentation introduces clinicians to trauma-informed animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) as an evidence-informed approach to enhancing therapeutic outcomes. AAIs are defined as structured, goal-directed interventions that intentionally incorporate trained animals and qualified handlers into clinical practice to support emotional regulation, attachment, and client engagement. Grounded in established psychological principles, including Attachment Theory and Trauma-Informed Care, this training explores how the human–animal bond can strengthen therapeutic alliance, increase feelings of safety, and support emotional processing. Research from human-animal interaction (HAI) studies will be reviewed, highlighting outcomes such as reduced anxiety, improved regulation, and increased engagement across diverse clinical populations. Participants will examine how AAIs function within the clinician-client-animal triad and how they can be integrated into existing modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and Gestalt therapy. Ethical considerations, cultural responsiveness, and safety practices, including zoonotic risk and the One Health framework, will also be addressed. This presentation is designed for clinicians seeking to expand their clinical skills through innovative, relational, and trauma-informed approaches.

Learning Objectives By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: 1. Define at least three core components of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) in trauma-informed care. 2. Identify at least three mechanisms by which AAIs support emotional regulation, attachment, and therapeutic engagement. 3. List at least three ethical, cultural, or safety considerations relevant to incorporating therapy animals into clinical practice.

Stephanie Cotcher, BA, MSW, LCSW, PPSC, is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in school-based and community mental health. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of California, Los Angeles, and holds a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance.

Stephanie currently serves as the Clinical Coordinator and Clinical Supervisor for the Hart District Therapeutic Counseling Department. In this role, she manages therapeutic programs for students, oversees crises, provides clinical supervision, participates in IEP meetings and documentation, creates and implements training and protocols, and carries a small caseload of students herself. Stephanie is also the Assistant Regional Director for Region G of NASW-CA (National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter), where she supports local units in professional development, networking, and program development.

Stephanie’s background includes serving as a Psychiatric Social Worker for LAUSD, Community Mental Health Clinician, and Adjunct Professor at Cal State LA. Stephanie currently participates as the co-chair of the Santa Clarita Valley Suicide Prevention, Postvention, and Wellness Committee. She runs a small private practice specializing in trauma-informed therapy with individuals and families. Stephanie is currently earning her Doctorate in Social Work, and as a DSW Candidate is focusing her research on Attachment in Animal-Assisted Interventions with Trauma-Exposed Students. Recognized with awards such as the One Hart Award for the value of community and Santa Clarita NASW’s Professional of the Year, Stephanie continues to advance mental health services and educational support for students.

Sponsored by

Clear Behavioral Health provides personalized mental health and addiction care for adults and teens with immediate availability—offering both in person and online programs across California that integrate evidence based therapies such as CBT, DBT, medication management, and mindfulness. Their full continuum of care spans detox and residential treatment through Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), ensuring seamless transitions and lasting support for clients. Clinicians treat a broad range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and substance use/dual diagnosis, with family involvement and an active alumni network to sustain recovery. Clear is committed to making treatment accessible and is in-network with most major insurance plans in Southern California.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Sunday, June 14, 2026

Time:

  8:30am-9am Check-In/Light Breakfast*

  9am-9:30am Membership Meeting/

      Chapter Announcements*

  9:30-11am CE/Speaker Presentation

  11am-11:15am Opportunity Drawing/

      Private Practice Announcements*

  11:15am-11:45am Break*

  11:45am-1:45pm Board Meeting (in-person)*

*=portion of course not eligible for CE's

This course is intended for beginning to advanced mental health professionals.

Course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Course evaluations will be sent and CE completion certificates will be awarded to participants that attend the entire presentation and complete the course evaluation within 48 hours of the speaker presentation.

Place:

In-Person at Encino Golf Course Banquet Room

                              16821 Burbank Blvd

                              Encino, CA 91436

This location is ADA compliant.

Professional or business casual attire suggested. It is recommended to dress in layers due to the weather and AC conditions.

Please note the following:

Confirm your meeting selection is accurate for in person or webinar and member or non-member. No walk-ins or registration changes will be allowed less than 24 hours before the meeting.

Price/Registration:

SFV-CAMFT chapter members

In-person

     $25 (online until Friday, June 5th at 11:59pm)

     $35 (online week of event, June 6th to June 12th)

Non chapter members

In-person

     $35 (online until Friday, June 5th at 11:59pm)

     $45 (online week of event, June 6th to June 12th)

No phone or email RSVP.

No cash or check, credit card only (we accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover).

Email us for Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley chapter reciprocity.

Please click on the register button. If you are not logged in yet and are a member of our chapter, please be sure to log in here first. A confirmation email will be sent once payment is received.   

Questions? Contact our VP of Membership sfvcamftmember@gmail.com

Grievances? Contact our President sfvcamftpre@gmail.com

Accommodations? Contact our Hospitality Chair sfvcamftmember@gmail.com

Policies: View a list of our policies here

Refund Policy 

Requests for refunds must be in writing and received by SFV-CAMFT before one week prior to the event. A $2 administrative fee will be deducted for cancellation of a paid event, through the cancellation deadline. There will be no changes or cancellations received after one week prior to the event (this includes no shows and arriving late to the presentation on the day of the event). The President has discretion to issue refunds that do not comply with the policy. To request a refund, email sfv.camft@gmail.com.

The personal values and beliefs expressed by presenter(s) are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (SFV-CAMFT). SFV-CAMFT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive professional community and does not endorse any specific personal viewpoints shared by presenters.

CAMFT- approved Continuing Education Provider #62281

SFV-CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for Marriage & Family Therapists. SFV-CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.