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General Questions

What is Dreamcatcher™?
​Dreamcatcher™ is home to many animals, once homeless or hurting, who now live 30 minutes east of Edmonton, on a beautiful 40-acre ranch. It is comprised of 3 parts: Dreamcatcher™ Nature Assisted Therapy, which focuses on offering a wide variety of traditional and unique therapies to help children, youth, and adults find healing, balance, and joy; Dreamcatcher Animal Assisted Wellness Academy teaching professional to the highest global standards of AAI; and Dreamcatcher™ Tourism, our recreation and tourism program that opens up the property to the public on weekends and for special events.
What is Dreamcatcher's™ Mission? 
​Our mission is to help people find healing, balance, joy, hope and confidence through the immediate feedback that animals and nature provide. ​We are here to guide, teach, counsel
Who Works at Dreamcatcher™?
​Dreamcatcher™ is staffed by Registered Psychologists, Provisional Psychologists, Registered Clinical Social Workers, Registered Social Workers, Psychotherapists, Master’s in Counselling Students, social work and psychology undergraduates and many assist staff. All counselling and skill-building staff are cross-trained in animal assisted therapy and many other therapeutic mediums.

​Dreamcatcher™ has a large volunteer group who caretake the animals and assist in groups and special events, as well as many operational and support staff.
​How Can I contact Dreamcatcher™?
Phone: 780-809-1047
Fax: 780-809-1046
Email: info@dreamcatcherassociation.com

Director of Operations
Eileen Bona M.Ed. Registered Psychologist
Owner and Founder of Dreamcatcher™
Eileen@dreamcatcherassociation.com

Administration
Patricia Rojek B.A
Receptionist of Operations
780-809-1047 ext 1
Info@dreamcatcherassociation.com

Jess Mayhew B.H.Sc.
Manager of Operations
Jess@dreamcatcherassociation.com
What is dreamcatcher's™ aDDRESS? 
​53044 Range Road 213, Ardrossan, Alberta, T8G 2C4
aRE THERE DIRECTIONS TO GET TO dREAMCATCHER™?
East on Yellowhead Hwy (Hwy 16), Continue past the vehicle weigh scales, turn right on RR #213 (there is a sign that says “Uncas 8 km”), About 2km down RR #213 there is a RED MAILBOX on the right-hand side with a Dreamcatcher sign on it. This is the Dreamcatcher™ driveway.
Does Dreamcatcher™ have social media?
​Yes! You can find us here:
Facebook: Dreamcatcher Nature Assisted Therapy
Instagram: dreamcatcher_therapy_intl
Youtube: Dreamcatcher Nature Assisted Therapy    
LinkedIn: Dreamcatcher Nature Assisted Therapy
Tik Tok:    Dreamcatcher_therapy 
Facebook Tourism:   dc_tourism
Instagram Tourism:   dc.tourism 
Twitter: @DC_association
Are there any articles or media links provided by Dreamcatcher™?​
Yes! Our Owner and Executive Director has written numerous informative articles and there are many media links that capture the essence of Dreamcatcher™! They can be found here. 
Does Dreamcatcher™ have a blog?
Yes! Check it out here.
What are Dreamcatcher's™ administrative hours?
​Dreamcatcher™ is open year-round, except all holidays.
Our therapy hours are Monday – Thursday 9am – 8pm, but our administrative hours are:
Monday          8:30am-4:30pm
Tuesday         8:30am-4:30pm
Wednesday   8:30am-4:30pm
Thursday       8:30am-4:30pm
Friday             Closed
Saturday        Closed
Sunday          Closed
Who are the Dreamcatcher™ Co-counsellors?
Dreamcatcher™ is a haven to many animals, some of whom were once homeless and hurting. These animals have found healing and a forever home at Dreamcatcher™ and now dedicate their days to helping the people who come to Dreamcatcher™. Each animal has a story and special skills which make them excellent co-counsellors in Animal Assisted Therapy and Equine Facilitated Counselling.
 
Learn more about each individual Co-Counsellor.
Who founded Dreamcatcher™?
Eileen Bona is a Registered Psychologist. She holds a Master of Education from the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta and is the Owner/Founder of Dreamcatcher™ Nature Assisted Therapy and Dreamcatcher™ Animal Assisted Wellness Academy.
 
Dale Vandenberg, her husband, is a Civil Engineering Technologist who loves working outdoors and helped Eileen to bring Dreamcatcher™ to life.
Read their story here.
Are there any covid-19 updates?
 ​Dreamcatcher™ remains open during the pandemic with additional safety precautions and procedures in place. Read more about the COVID-19 policies and procedures here.
What steps are you taking through the covid-19 pandemic?
​To ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors, Dreamcatcher™ is requesting all visitors to continue to wear a mask when inside of our building. We also ask that you remain in your vehicle until one of our staff come to greet you. If you need to use the facilities at any time, please come in with your mask on. We ask those transporting visitors to please do the same and return to their vehicles for the duration of their time with us.
Our Therapists and Behaviour Interventionists continue to provide sessions to their clients in person, online and over the phone. Thank you for helping Dreamcatcher™ to continue to offer safe services to the community.
how can i volunteer at dreamcatcher™?
​Do you have a love for animals and a passion for helping people?
One of the key aspects that make the Dreamcatcher™ programs successful are the many dedicated volunteers who commit their time and talents. 
Volunteers assist in the following ways:
1. Care for the animals
2. Assist with general maintenance of the Dreamcatcher™ site
3. Help implement programs and special events
4. Fundraise
5. Provide in-kind services such as bookkeeping, public relations, participating as a volunteer director on the board and much more

Click here to download our volunteer application form.

What is the Dreamcatcher™ cHARITY?
Ardrossan Dreamcatcher Nature Assisted Therapy Association is the charitable arm of Dreamcatcher™ Nature Assisted Therapy. This volunteer-driven registered charity is governed by a volunteer board of directors. In an effort to remove financial barriers of those in need, a portion of this philanthropic organization's resources are utilized to subsidize and/or cover the cost of Animal Assisted Therapy.
Read more about the Dreamcatcher™ Charity here. 

Therapeutic Questions

When are therapists and Behaviour Interventionists available?
​Therapeutic staff are available during the week, year-round, excluding all holidays.
Their hours are:
Monday          9:00am-8:00pm
Tuesday         9:00am-8:00pm
Wednesday   9:00am-8:00pm
Thursday       9:00am-8:00pm
Friday             Closed
Saturday        Closed
Sunday          Closed
As each therapeutic staff schedule is different, please contact admin to book or reschedule appointments.
What psychological services do you offer?
We offer one-on-one therapy/counselling services, groups/retreats, skill building sessions, and corporate team building.
Which therapeutic approaches does Dreamcatcher™ utilize?
  • Animal Assisted Therapy
  • Art Therapy
  • Equine Facilitated Counselling
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Music Therapy
  • Nature Assisted therapy
  • Play Therapy
  • Sand Tray Therapy
  • Traditional Therapeutic Interventions
Read about all our psychological services here.

wHAT ARE SOME SITUATIONS/CIRCUMSTANCES THAT dREAMCATCHER™ ADDRESSES?
Dreamcatcher™ helps people of all ages with:
  • Addictions
  • Anger Issues
  • Anxiety/Depression
  • Attachment Issues
  • Autism Spectrum
  • Behavior Management
  • Brain Injury
  • Communication Skills
  • Complex Needs
  • Developmental Delays
  • Domestic Violence
  • Eating Disorders
  • Emotional/Behavioral Issues
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Family Issues
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
  • Grief /Loss
  • High Risk Behaviour
  • Life Skills
  • Multiple Mental Health Diagnoses
  • Organic Brain Dysfunction
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Parenting Issues
  • Self Esteem and Confidence Needs
  • Self-Harming Behaviour
  • Social Skills
  • Special Needs
  • Suicidal Behavior
  • Trauma/Abuse
  • Vocations Skills
  • Other Life Issues
Do you offer in-person appointments?
Yes, we do!
Visit our One-on-One page for more information.
Do you offer online appointments?
​Yes, we do! We utilize telehealth platforms that are secure, confidential, and HIPAA compliant.
How can i schedule a therapy appointment?
​Complete the required paperwork listed at the bottom of the One-on-One page and email it to info@dreamcatcherassociation.com or fax it to 780.809.1046.
A member of our team will contact you within 2 business days of receiving your paperwork.
 
What are the fees for your services?
Behavioural Management/Skill Building:
$110.00 per 50 minute individual session
​Counselling and Treatment:
$220.00 per 50 minute individual session
$220.00 per 50 minute family session
$65.00 per 50 minutes per person for group therapy
​Groups:
Price varies per service.
​Contact info@dreamcatcherassociation.com for inquiries. 
Are there any funding options for your services?
  • Automotive Insurance Companies
  • Boys and Girls Club Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • Children and Family Services
  • Church Sponsorship
  • Collaborative Service Deliveries
  • Direct Billing through Private Health Benefits
  • Employee and Family Assistance Plans
  • Family Support for Children with Disabilities
  • Indigenous Services Canada: Non-Insured Health Branch, Indian Residential Schools program, Jordan’s Principle program
  • Lawyer's Offices
  • Public Trustee
  • Veteran’s Affairs
  • Victim’s Serivces
  • ​Subsidization: a sliding fee scale may be available by application through our affiliated charity. Email dreamcatchercharity2003@gmail.com to request a Cost Share Counselling Application.
Read more about Funding Options.
What is Dreamcatcher's™ Furry Foundations/skill building program?
Furry Foundations is an Animal-Assisted Therapeutic Intervention (AATI) program focused on developing life and social skills. Assisting with emotional regulation, providing psychoeducation and awareness into the issue the person is facing, the Behaviour Interventionists in this program teach coping skills and help people to discover their abilities and build to their highest potential.
 
Our skilled professionals work one to one with our participants and each session is specifically tailored to suit the individuals’ therapeutic needs. All participant involvement in the program is overseen by a Registered Psychologist through consistent consultation and treatment goal monitoring. 
​
Read more on our Skill Building page.
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Academy Questions

What is the Animal assisted wellness academy?
Dreamcatcher™ Animal Assisted Wellness Academy is one of the leading organizations in Animal Assisted Therapy and Interventions in Canada. We have been educating people from around the world to the highest global standards in the growing field of Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) for nearly 20 years through the development of Animal Assisted Therapy and Education courses, college diplomas, internships, workshops, seminars, certification for professionals, and training, certification, and screening of therapy animals. Our team has assisted in the development of numerous educational and therapeutic programs internationally, nationally, and right here in the Edmonton area. 
​
Read more here.
Where can i learn more about the animal assisted wellness academy?
​More information about our educational services can be found in our Academy section.
​Here you will find information about our Dog Training, Animal Assisted Interventions Certification, International Learning, and Travelling Trainings. 
What are the levels of certification for aai?
Animal Assisted Therapist
  • Master’s level helping professionals. This includes mental health therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses and anyone else who holds a Master’s level degree in their helping profession. Candidate must be 21 years of age or older at the time the certificate is granted.
Animal Assisted Wellness Practitioner
  • Undergraduate level helping professionals. This includes Child and Youth Care Counsellors, Rehabilitation Practitioners, Addictions Counsellors, Educators and anyone else who holds a Bachelor’s level degree in the helping professions. Candidate must be 21 years of age or older at the time the certificate is granted.
Animal Handler
  • Any person with a strong love for helping people and working with animals but have no official helping professional qualifications. Candidate must either be 18 years or older at the time certification is granted or be accompanied by an adult while Animal Handling until the age of 18 years after certification is granted.
Why should i get certified in aai?
​There is no other helping medium quite like working with animals. To ensure these AAI programs are safe, ethical and effective, it is vital that professionals hoping to work with animals within their scope of practice first gain the necessary knowledge and skill.
If you are in a helping profession, have a passion for animals and would like to explore how you can partner with an animal safely and effectively within your scope of practice, we have a program tailored to your needs.
Learn how to get AAI Certified. 
Does Dreamcatcher™ offer aai certification process internationally?
​Dreamcatcher™ Animal Assisted Wellness Academy has been officially offering certification in Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) on a global scale for nearly two decades, and has assisted students from all around the world including Japan, Holland, South Africa, the United States of America, and more. This consist of the development of AAI courses, college diplomas, training and certification for therapy animals, certification for professionals, internships, workshops, and seminars. 
​
Read about our International Learning program here.  
Does Dreamcatcher™ offer off-site trainings?
Dreamcatcher™ has been offering off-site trainings in Animal Assisted Interventions within Canada for more than a decade and has assisted in the development of numerous programs Internationally. Our team can travel to locations around the country to educate and support your professional organization in the steps and aspects necessary to develop and run an ethical, professional and effective animal assisted intervention program.
​
Learn about our Travelling Trainings here. ​
What do Dreamcatcher's™ canine trainings entail?
Our dog training classes are uniquely designed to help prepare your dog to pass AAI testing and succeed in future placements. These sessions will grow your training skills, as teaching doesn't only take place in class, but during every interaction we have with our dogs. 
Which Canine services does Dreamcatcher™offer?
​Canine Training
1. Prepare Your Dog for AAI Series
  • Class 1: Introduction to Animal Assisted Intervention
  • Class 2: Public Access Skills
  • Class 3: Advanced AAI Activities
2. Puppy School Series
  • 2-3 Month Kinder-Puppy Class – Virtual
  • 3-6 Month Elementary Puppy Class
  • 6-12 Month Graduate Puppy Class​
3. Pup to Dog: Get a Jump on Being One
 
Additional Canine Service
  • Canine Screening
  • One-on-One Private Consultations
can dreamcatcher™ screen my animal for aai?
Dreamcatcher™ offers several screening dates throughout the year for canines and other indoor animals that are looking to work within the field of AAI.
Information about Canine Screenings can be found here. 
How can I certify my dog for aai?
If you already own the dog you wish to partner with in AAI, we recommend that you start our Prepare Your Dog training program as soon as possible. It is not necessary to have completed your professional AAI education/certification before starting the training process with your dog. Through Dreamcatcher™, you can be certified as a professional in AAI without owning a dog; however, a dog cannot be certified without its handler also being educated in how to integrate the animal within their scope of practice. This is because having the most well-trained dog in the world does not ensure successful or effective AAI sessions. In fact, the animal in an AAI session is only as effective as the professional they are working with. You are a team!

Information about Canine Certification can be found here. ​
cAN DREAMCATCHER™ CERTIFY MY DOG FOR AAI?
​Yes! You and your canine must follow the certification steps found here.

Recreation Questions

dOES dreamcatcher™ offer any Recreational Activities?
Yes! Dreamcatcher™ offers numerous Recreational Activities that all can enjoy!
Can i host a birthday party at dreamcatcher™?
​Yes!
Please contact dreamcatchertotl@gmail.com for inquiries and to book a unique and fun-filled birthday experience!


Does Dreamcatcher™ offer field trips for classrooms?
Yes!Dreamcatcher™ offers field trips for every size of classroom.
​Please contact info@dreamcatcherassociation.com for inquiries and to book a field trip for your students!

Can dreamcatcher™ offer team building activities for my staff?
Yes! Let our dedicated design team develop an interactive event that matches the theme, goals, location, and budget of your vision that captures the imagination of the participants. Anything is possible! Our experiential learning alongside animals will give the results your company is looking for!
Check out our Team Building page for more information.
​
What does a Team building experience look like?
​All team building activities are done through the mediums of animal and nature assisted therapies. As[eb1]  every Team Building Experience is tailored to fit the needs of the group, not one visit is the same. Here are some examples of areas of focus for a few of our past Corporate Events:
  • Identify the root elements of communication
  • Learn how to effectively listen to others
  • Practice giving feedback so it is heard
  • Recognize what works and what doesn't
  • Develop a positive system of communication 
  • Create clear channels inside the workplace​

Check out our Team Building page for more information.
How do i book a team building experience?
Please email info@dreamcatcherassociation.com to book!
What are Front-Line Fridays?
Our Front-Line Friday Program began as a way to give our Health Heroes a chance to decompress, destress, and rejuvenate with outdoor, and out of city, visits! This program provides unique and extensive farm animal interactions in a tranquil, beautiful place to give these workers a chance to find reprieve and joy. 
​
See our ​Front-Line Friday page for more information.
​
Who is able to attend a front-line friday session?
​Front-Line Workers that have committed to being on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic and worked tirelessly to provide service to others. 
Health Care Workers
  • Doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other medical professionals
Mental Health Workers
  • Psychologists, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Peer Support Workers, Rehabilitation Worker, and all other Mental Health Professional
Education
  • Teachers, Special Education Worker, Daycare Specialist
Local and national government
  • Politicians, elected officials, and federal government workers
 
How much is it to attend a front-line friday session?
Individual: $40 per hour
Families/Groups of 4 or under: $60 per hour
Families/Groups of 5: $70 per hour and additional $10/per person after that
To book a session, please email patricia@dreamcatcherassociation.com to book!
What is time on the land?
“Time on the Land” emerged in the spring of 2020 to support individuals struggling with having to be socially distant from friends and family.
Founder and Director, Eileen Bona opened the Dreamcatcher Nature Assisted Therapy property to let people connect to the animals and land during Covid-19.
 
Book your time to come to the 40-acre Dreamcatcher™ property for up to 2.5 hours! This invitation allows families to meet the animals up close and personally during a staff-guided tour. Enjoy a walk through the Magical Forest Trail, take a hike through the back 40, or spend time with the animals. Visitors are welcome to bring a small picnic or purchase some snacks from our Snack Shack.
Read more about Time on the Land here.
How do i book a time on the land session?
Please visit our Eventbrite site for all recreational activity booking.