Therapy Dogs visit ITR students at FIFSW
Categories: Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency field of study, Programs + Teaching, Students
On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, students and faculty in FIFSW’s Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency field of study welcomed some visitors to the classroom: Sunshine Therapy Dogs.
The friendly pups gave the students a welcome break from their third week-long intensive course and helped them manage the stress and high emotions that can arise after learning about and discussing some of the difficult subjects addressed in class. The dogs also demonstrated an alternative approach to therapy for the students to experienced first hand — and the importance of making time for that therapy and medicine in our lives.
The Master of Social Work, Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency (ITR) field of study emphasizes a strong connection between personal, cultural, professional, and academic development. Grounded in North American Indigenous values and inspired by Indigenous traditions from around the globe, its curriculum combines evidence-based practice with healing and ceremony drawn from Indigenous traditions. The in-person intensive courses cover topics such as historical and generational trauma, grief and loss, and sexual abuse and assault.
It was some of the dogs’ second session to the Faculty this year. In April they visited students in the two-year and advanced standing Master of Social Work programs.
Read more about students in FIFSW’s Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency field of study:
- Coming full circle: Sabrina Williams is inspired by the power of intergenerational understanding to bring change and healing
- Q & A with ITR graduate Elma Arthurson
- Charlotte Sampson-Elliott inspired by a goal to build trauma-informed schools in her community
- Terrance Lafromboise and Hyungu Kang reflect on the healing path they forged through FIFSW’s Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency field of study
- Q & A: Rebecca Schuss (MSW 2020) shares how her experience studying Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty led to law school
- Alumna Julie Blair proves the power of U of T’s Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency program