Falconry & Animal-Assisted Therapy:
October 16, 2026
Integrating Nature-Based Interventions in Clinical Practice
Falconry & Animal-Assisted Therapy:
Integrating Nature-Based Interventions in Clinical Practice
4 CE Workshop
by Wanderhome Retreats
This immersive 4-hour Continuing Education program offers mental health professionals a unique opportunity to explore the therapeutic potential of falconry and bird-assisted interventions (BAI) within a comprehensive framework of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT).
Detailed Description:
The session begins with a hands-on, 2-hour experiential practicum in Chester County, PA with Master Falconer Courtney Douds, LCSW, where participants will engage directly with raptors, fostering a profound connection with nature and observing human-animal dynamics firsthand. This interactive demonstration features a hawk and an owl. It includes a lesson in raptor natural history and the origins of this ancient hunting craft, free-flight demonstrations, a simulated hunt demonstration, and potentially an opportunity for these majestic birds of prey to land on your gloved hand.
This direct experience serves as the foundation for a subsequent didactic "lunch and learn" session.
At our lunch and learn, we will explore the historical and cultural origins of falconry, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity with roots stretching back over 4,000 years to the steppes of Mongolia and the Arabian Peninsula. By understanding falconry as a "primitive partnership" born of survival and deep cross-cultural tradition, clinicians will gain a broader perspective on the human-animal bond. We will delve into the foundational principles of BAI, the unique therapeutic mechanisms of human-raptor bonds, and the four domains of holistic well-being (personal, relational, environmental, and existential). The program also reviews current peer-reviewed research, discusses ethical considerations for incorporating unconventional species in AAT, and engages in peer-to-peer practice for facilitating client reflections using the provided digital Relational Ecology Map workbook. This program is designed to meet ASWB cultural competency requirements by examining the global heritage and diverse cultural contexts of nature-based interventions.
The program concludes with a group debrief and integration strategies, equipping clinicians with practical skills to explore animal relationships with their clients and integrate nature-based interventions into their clinical practice.
Date and Time:
Friday, October 16, 2026 9:45am-2:00pm
Schedule:
9:45 Arrival
10-12 Falconry at Chester County location
12:00-2:00 Lunch & Learn
Lunch:
Lunch is included. That is why the price for this falconry event is slightly more than our August event where lunch was not included.
CEs:
ACE statement: Wanderhome Retreats, 2794, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 6/26/26-6/26/27. Social workers completing this course receive 4 clinical continuing education credits.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
- List the types of Animal-assisted interventions and describe the differences (AAI, AAT, AAA).
- Describe the therapeutic mechanisms of human-animal interaction, including co-regulation and engagement, within a client-centered framework.
- Define the four domains of holistic well-being (personal, relational, environmental, and existential) fostered by human-animal bonds through direct experience.
- Describe the historical and cultural origins of falconry as a global heritage, identifying its significance across diverse cultural contexts to enhance cultural competency in clinical practice.
- Explain ethical and welfare considerations for incorporating unconventional species in AAT, focusing on animal well-being and responsible practice.
- Describe practical skills for facilitating AAT-related reflections and integrating unique client interests into therapeutic interventions through peer-to-peer practice.
Wanderhome Retreats Experiential Workshop Review:"I have attended several delightfully crafted activities, social in spirit and vibe, fun and playful, but also a cool, authentic way to meet therapists I need in my referral and collaboration network. Always up for events with you!"
"A couple months ago, I stumbled upon this amazing human in a FB group for therapists. Today, I met up with her and several other amazing therapists to give falconry a try as a form of animal assisted therapy. 100/10, highly recommend. Not just the falconry, but the research, teaching, and reflective discussions that Kanjana Hartshorne put together is phenomenal. What an amazing group of women, an amazing master falconer with a wealth of knowledge, and an out-of-the-box experience that has me begging for more of the same. In Hershey, PA where even the streetlights downtown are topped with Hershey kisses— I got to play with hawks and falcons."
Kanjana Hartshorne
Hi! I am Kanjana, LCSW, C IAYT yoga therapist, Reiki Master, and creator of Wanderhome. I create embodied, ND affirming spaces where therapists and healers can learn, rest, play, be themselves, and find their people through somatic and creative practices, yoga therapy, energy work, spiritual and ancestral practices, social events, unique CEs, retreats, and a therapist community that feels like home. I'm so glad you're here and hope you join us!
Title: Falconry & Animal-Assisted Therapy: Integrating Nature-Based Interventions in Clinical Practice
Date: 10/16/2026
10am-2:00 Program
Detailed Schedule Below
4 CEs Total
9 spots total
Registration deadline is 10/15/2026.
Delivery Method: This course is a format of live, in person, synchronous interactive learning.
Description: See above
Learning Objectives: See above
Target Audience: Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
