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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: a psychology practice 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: an educational institute that teaches helping professionals from around the world how to integrate animals into their practices to the highest global standards; and Dreamcatcher™ Tourism, a recreation and tourism program that invites members of the surrounding communities to the Dreamcatcher land 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 and inspire.

Who Works at Dreamcatcher™?

Dreamcatcher™ is staffed by Registered Psychologists, Provisional Psychologists, Registered Clinical Social Workers, Registered Social Workers, Psychotherapists, Master 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 take care of the animals and assist in groups and special events, as well as many operational and support staff.

How Can I contact Dreamcatcher™?

Chief Executive Officer
Eileen Bona M.Ed. Registered Psychologist
Owner and Founder of Dreamcatcher™
780-809-1047 ext 2
[email protected]

Administration
Jess Mayhew B.H.Sc.
Manager of Administration & Intakes
780-809-1047 ext 1
[email protected]

Evening Administration
780-809-1047 ext 1

Volunteering or Events
Megan Riley B.A.
Volunteer Coordinator
780-809-1047 ext 117
[email protected]

What is dreamcatcher's™ aDDRESS?

53044 Range Road 213, Ardrossan, Alberta, T8G 2C4

aRE THERE DIRECTIONS TO GET TO dREAMCATCHER™?

From Edmonton or Sherwood Park: 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

Weekends are closed in winter months but open for tourism during the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons on select dates only, please inquire.

Who are the Dreamcatcher™ Animals?

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 Therapy Animal.

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, Dreamcatcher™ Animal Assisted Wellness Academy and Dreamcatcher™ Tourism.

She was assisted to build the Dreamcatcher™ facility into what it is today by her partner, Dale Vandenberg. Dale 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™ remained open during the pandemic with additional safety precautions and procedures in place. Read more about the COVID-19 policies and procedures here.

What is your Sick/Illness Policy?

To ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors, Dreamcatcher™ is requesting all visitors who may have signs or symptoms of illness to cancel their appointments with us until they are well. Alternatively, some appointments may be able to take place online or by telephone. If the client is well, but the visitors who came with them are sick, we ask that they please wait in their vehicles for the duration of the session. 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 many ways including animal care, tourism and special events, animal handling for therapy and recreation groups, charity board members, and by offering special skills such as marketing, photography, program development, and more!
Click here to download our volunteer application form. Once you have completed the form, please email it to [email protected]

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 for those in need.
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 appointment.

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 [email protected] 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?

Counselling and Treatment:
$230.00 per 50-minute individual session
$275.00 per 50-minute individual session with Eileen Bona
$120.00 per 50-minute individual session with an Intern Therapist
$165.00 per 50-minute individual session with a recently graduate Intern Therapist
$230.00 per 50-minute family session
$80.00 per hour per person for group therapy

Groups/Team Building:
Price varies per service.
Contact [email protected] for inquiries.

Are there any funding options for your services?

Automotive Insurance Companies
Breaking Free Foundation
Boys and Girls Club Big Brothers Big Sisters
Children and Family Services (CFS)
Church Sponsorship
Collaborative Service Deliveries (CSD’s)
Direct Billing through Private Health Benefits
Employee and Family Assistance Plans
Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)
Good Neighbours Fund
First Nations, Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Non-Insured Health Benefits, Indian Residential Schools (IRS), and Jordan’s Principle program
Lawyer's Offices
Public Trustee
Military & First Responders Benefits (i.e., Veteran’s Affairs, Victims Services)
Subsidization: a sliding fee scale may be available by application through our affiliated charity. Email [email protected] to request a Cost Share Counselling Application.

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 Services in Canada. We have been educating people from around the world to the highest global standards in the growing field of Animal Assisted Services (AAS) 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 Services Certification, International Learning, and Travelling Trainings.

What are the levels of certification for aaS?

Animal Assisted Therapist

Master level helping professionals. This includes mental health therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and anyone else who holds a Master degree in their helping profession as a therapist. 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 degree in the helping professions that are not titled therapist. 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 who has 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 aaS?

There is no other helping medium quite like working with animals. To ensure these AAS 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 aaS certification process internationally?

Dreamcatcher™ Animal Assisted Wellness Academy has been officially offering certification in Animal Assisted Services (AAS) 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 AAS 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 Services 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 and internationally to educate and support your professional organization in the steps and aspects necessary to develop and run an ethical, professional and effective animal assisted service 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 AAS 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 AAS Series

Class 1: Introduction to Animal Assisted Services
Class 2: Fundamentals of AAS
Class 3: Public Access Skills
Class 4: Advanced AAS 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

Learn about our Canine Trainings here.

can dreamcatcher™ screen my animal for aaS?

Dreamcatcher™ offers several screening dates throughout the year for canines and other indoor animals that are looking to work within the field of AAS.
Information about Canine Screenings can be found here.

How can I certify my dog for aaS?

If you already own the dog you wish to partner with in AAS, we recommend that you start our Prepare Your Dog training program as soon as possible. It is not necessary to have completed your professional AAS education/certification before starting the training process with your dog. Through Dreamcatcher™, you can be certified as a professional in AAS 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 AAS sessions. In fact, the animal in an AAS 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 AAS?

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!

Time on the Land
Birthday Parties
Wellness Experiences, including Animal Yoga, Forest Bathing, and Tropical Barn Breathing
Pen Paw Pal Program
Team Building
Blacksmith Workshops

Learn more about our Recreational Activities here.

Can i host a birthday party at dreamcatcher™?

Yes!
Please contact [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 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 challenges within the team
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 [email protected] 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.

Please note: This program is seasonal and bookings are only available when the program is opened Spring through to Fall.

HOW DO I BOOK A TIME ON THE LAND SESSION?

Please visit our Eventbrite site for all recreational activity booking.
Please note: This program is seasonal and bookings are only available when the program is opened Spring through to Fall.