26/08/2025
HKAATA Oral Presentation @ IAHAIO conference (阿姆斯特丹） 23-24th August ,2025
HKAATA於2023年開始與香港大學社會工作與行政系及樹仁大學輔導心理學系合作一項質性研究，以敘事實踐研究方法訪問Ther@paws handlers 與家中毛孩參與HKAATA Ther@paws 培訓的心路歷程、成長、啟發及對培訓計劃的看法。
在HKAATA 的服務中，動輔治療師、治療犬Handler(即治療犬的爸/媽）及治療犬形成一個鐵三角的組合；
每一個角色都對治療成效/ 治療犬的福祉極具重要性；
所以我們一直強調「人類」的訓練（即動輔治療師及Handlers) ,感恩我們協會有很多神隊友Handlers ,多年來願意付出時間、心思、真誠與我們同行。
不知不覺，我們也看見不論服務對象、治療犬、handlers 都在參與過程中也一起成長，
坊間及研究界一直將重點放「治療犬」「服務成效」，
幾乎沒有一份學術研究關注一班默默付出的Handlers的服務經驗及成長、培訓需要及看法。
(今次研究題目及方式是國際上的第一份呢！）
我們希望透過呢份研究，讓大家更關注「Therapy Dog TEAM」中Handler 的付出及專業性，對,是「TEAM」, 不是Therapy dog only；
也讓系統化的Therapy dog team training 更完善及專業化。
我們很榮幸今次的研究有機會於IAHAIO conference 發表，由本會認證中級動輔師Dr.Joe Ngai (本位專業為註冊輔導心理學家及動輔研究博士）present ，
讓世界更認識HKAATA 及我們一班的Hidden Heroes.
*大力感謝合作研究團隊：Dr.Paul Wong, But,David,Dr.Joe Ngai , Mr.Jack Chiu , Debbie Ngai
*感謝接受訪問的Handlers(私隱及保密原因所以不公開名道謝🙏🏻）
#遲啲會有香港分享會
® Team
**HKAATA Oral Presentation at IAHAIO Conference (Amsterdam) August 23-24, 2025**
Since 2023, HKAATA has been collaborating with the Department of Social Work & Social administration at the University of Hong Kong and the Department of Counseling Psychology at Shue Yan University on a qualitative research project.
Using narrative practice research methods, we have interviewed Ther@paws handlers and their furry companions about their journeys, growth, insights, and perspectives on the HKAATA Ther@paws training program.
In HKAATA's services, animal-assisted therapists, therapy dog handlers (the "parents" of the therapy dogs), and the therapy dogs themselves form a vital triangle.
Each role is crucial for therapeutic outcomes and the welfare of the therapy dogs.
We emphasize the importance of "human" training (i.e., training for therapists and handlers) and are grateful for the many committed handlers who have generously dedicated their time, thought, and sincerity to work alongside us over the years.
Unbeknownst to us, we have observed that, regardless of participants—clients, therapy dogs, and handlers—all have grown during the process.
While the field and academic research have predominantly focused on "therapy dogs" and "service outcomes," there has been almost no scholarly investigation into the experiences, growth, training needs, and opinions of the selfless handlers who support the service.
(This research topic and approach is the first of its kind internationally!)
Through this study, we aim to increase awareness of the contributions and professionalism of handlers within the "Therapy Dog TEAM." Yes, it is a "TEAM," not just about the therapy dog alone. We also seek to enhance and professionalize the systematic training of therapy dog teams.
We are honored to have the opportunity to present our research at the IAHAIO conference, delivered by our certified intermediate animal-assisted therapist, Dr. Joe Ngai (whose expertise is in registered counseling psychology and animal-assisted research), helping the world to better understand HKAATA and our group of "Hidden Heroes."
*A big thank you to our collaborative research team: Dr. Paul Wong, David, Dr. Joe Ngai, Mr. Jack Chiu, Debbie Ngai
*Grateful for the handlers who participated in the interviews (names are not disclosed for privacy and confidentiality reasons 🙏🏻)
