Jodee and the dogs have now finished their placement with us. But please read on to learn how the diamond model of Animal-Assisted Therapy works and learn how to contact Jodee if you are wanting to arrange ongoing sessions with her.

We’re so pleased to introduce you to Jodee Vella and her two lovable Kelpies, Gemma and Ranger. These guys are ready to support you during your next visit to 12 Points Psychology.

With 13 years of experience in the homelessness sector, Jodee has worked in crisis facilities, assisting 100s of clients from diverse backgrounds. Her expertise includes; crisis support, grounding and de-escalation and problem-solving skills building.

Back in 2022, Jodee introduced Gemma and Ranger to her work. This amazing canine duo have been instrumental in helping Jodee help her clients, especially those who have recently experienced trauma. From physical and sexual assault to self-harm, grief and loss, Gemma and Ranger provide comfort and companionship to those in need.

Jodee has a passion for working with clients with complex mental health needs, as well as neurodivergent clients. She utilises client-focused, trauma-informed practices, integrating Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as needed.

Jodee obtained her Australian Counselling Association (ACA) registration in 2023, in preparation for a return to providing one-on-one therapy in a private practice setting. She then went on to complete additional training as a Canine Assisted Therapist, making use of the natural bond between humans and animals to facilitate healing.

As part of that training in canine assisted therapy (CAT), Jodee, Gemma and Ranger completed a 6-month internship here at 12 Points Psychology providing additional care and services to our lovely clients by way of the Diamond Model of AAT.

If you’d like to learn more about what we mean by the Diamond Model – please read on!

The Diamond Model of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a framework that guides the integration of animals into therapeutic interventions, but which separates the role of the therapist from the handler. It was developed to enhance the effectiveness of therapy by incorporating the unique therapeutic benefits that animals can provide and allowing the handler to focus solely on the interaction between the animal and the client while the therapist focuses solely on the therapeutic work with the client.

Traditionally, here at 12 Points Psychology, we’ve relied on the Triangle Model of AAT where the therapist and handler are the same person, but we’re proud to be expanding that service to also provide some Diamond Model sessions.

The ways in which you can take advantage of the Diamond Model are limited only by your imagination, but here are a few examples:

1) Anxiety Reduction: As we know, the presence of therapy animals in session can help create a calming and supportive environment. This effect can also be harnessed more directly, e.g., to provide comfort and reduce anxiety symptoms during exposure exercises.

2) Social Skills Development: We can practice communication, empathy, and responsibility through activities like grooming, feeding, or playing with the dogs.

3) Emotional Regulation: e.g., working on identifying emotions in ourselves and in the dogs, then learning how to regulate those emotions. This can be through grooming, play or other interactions and even in observing the interactions between the dogs and their handler. It also gives us a chance to learn patience and challenge any perfectionistic tendencies we may have (as the dogs will still be dogs!)

But that really is just the beginning!

Now that Jodee and the dogs have finished their placement with us, you can see what they’re up to and even book in with them via the contact details below:

Jodee & Ranger now work at Lead the Way in Boronia and Jodee has her own business as well, Talk with Tails. You can also follow them via their social media channels (Facebook and Instagram) to see what the Diamond Dogs Team are getting up to!

If you’re interested in learning more about how to become an animal-assisted therapist yourself, then please check out our All About AAT FB Group, and our Intro to AAT Program.

For those who are already qualified, but looking for ways to incorporate your therapy animal into your sessions, you’ll want to check out our webinars on Adding to your AAI Toolbox and while you may not want to watch this one, we also have our Pet Bereavement webinar which does include how to manage the loss of a therapy animal (for you and your clients).