Krysten Bisby is an esteemed counselor and advocate for animal-assisted therapy, harnessing her extensive experience with animals to support mental health and well-being. With a background in competitive horse riding, she has drawn on her lifelong passion for animals, including her therapeutic partner Cruz, a certified therapy dog, to enhance her counseling practice. She is notably involved in para-dressage riding at an international level, working with riders who have disabilities. Furthermore, she has transitioned from being a teacher to a counselor, focusing on creating safe spaces for young people to discuss their concerns and work towards mental wellness. Krysten operates KB Counseling Collective and partners with organisations like Riding for the Disabled at Tall Timbers in Sydney to provide therapy incorporating animals.

Key Takeaways:
Krysten Bisby emphasises the importance of safe environments in therapy, crucially non-traditional approaches that involve animal companionship.
Animal-assisted therapy facilitates tangible benefits for emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, and developing social skills.
Pet therapy involves a certified partnership between handler and animal, requiring rigorous training and assessment.
Non-verbal communication and repetitive activities with animals significantly aid in engaging clients who struggle with verbal processing.
Activities with therapy animals can transform feelings of being 'different' or struggles into therapeutic experiences of social connection and emotional growth.

Notable Quotes:
"I think horses were kind of that escape and that time for me that I just felt a bit free really, being out in the paddock and riding."
"If there had just been someone at school that I could have talked to, or who could have said, ‘Hey, what's happening for you?’"
"Research shows that being around animals reduces cortisol, releases oxytocin, and has physical effects like lowering blood pressure and decreasing heart rate."
"For me, it's about equipping clients to have skills and strategies to manage themselves in everyday struggles."
"I think when you take away some of that focus of therapist with client and you add an animal, it's super regulatory, a calming presence."

Resources:
Visit KB Counselling Collective's Website
Visit KB Counseling Collective on Facebook for more information about Krysten Bisby's work.
Explore services at Riding for the Disabled at Tall Timbers in Box Hill.
Contact Krysten here for counseling inquiries in Sydney.

 

 

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.

Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.

Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Krysten Bisby is an esteemed counselor and advocate for animal-assisted therapy, harnessing her extensive experience with animals to support mental health and well-being. With a background in competitive horse riding, she has drawn on her lifelong passion for animals, including her therapeutic partner Cruz, a certified therapy dog, to enhance her counseling practice. She is notably involved in para-dressage riding at an international level, working with riders who have disabilities. Furthermore, she has transitioned from being a teacher to a counselor, focusing on creating safe spaces for young people to discuss their concerns and work towards mental wellness. Krysten operates KB Counseling Collective and partners with organisations like Riding for the Disabled at Tall Timbers in Sydney to provide therapy incorporating animals.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>Krysten Bisby emphasises the importance of safe environments in therapy, crucially non-traditional approaches that involve animal companionship.</li>
<li>Animal-assisted therapy facilitates tangible benefits for emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, and developing social skills.</li>
<li>Pet therapy involves a certified partnership between handler and animal, requiring rigorous training and assessment.</li>
<li>Non-verbal communication and repetitive activities with animals significantly aid in engaging clients who struggle with verbal processing.</li>
<li>Activities with therapy animals can transform feelings of being 'different' or struggles into therapeutic experiences of social connection and emotional growth.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ol>
<li>"I think horses were kind of that escape and that time for me that I just felt a bit free really, being out in the paddock and riding."</li>
<li>"If there had just been someone at school that I could have talked to, or who could have said, &lsquo;Hey, what's happening for you?&rsquo;"</li>
<li>"Research shows that being around animals reduces cortisol, releases oxytocin, and has physical effects like lowering blood pressure and decreasing heart rate."</li>
<li>"For me, it's about equipping clients to have skills and strategies to manage themselves in everyday struggles."</li>
<li>"I think when you take away some of that focus of therapist with client and you add an animal, it's super regulatory, a calming presence."</li>
</ol>
Resources:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://kbcounsellingcolle.wixsite.com/kb-counselling-colle">Visit KB Counselling Collective's Website</a></li>
<li>Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/KB-Counselling-Collective-61574794157282/">KB Counseling Collective on Facebook</a> for more information about Krysten Bisby's work.</li>
<li>Explore services at <a href="https://rdanswtalltimbers.org.au/">Riding for the Disabled</a> at Tall Timbers in Box Hill.</li>
<li><a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAN__5D-5r1UMDdHQ1YwVjVWMFlLSTlMV0M1RzlBVENNMC4u">Contact Krysten here for counseling inquiries in Sydney</a>.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Click&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@raisingteenagers.com.au">here</a> to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click <a href="https://hope1032.com.au/show/raising-teens/">here</a> to contact the Raising Teens team.
<hr>
Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.
Visit <a href="http://raisingteens.au/">Raising Teens</a> for more resources, click <a href="https://collettsmart.com/resources/">here</a> for Collett's books, or join the discussion on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/collettsmart/">Facebook</a>.
Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hopepodcasts.com.au/" aria-label="Link hopepodcasts.com.au">hopepodcasts.com.au</a>. And send the team a message via&nbsp;<a href="https://hope1032.com.au/listen/#apps" aria-label="Link Hope 103.2&rsquo;s app">Hope 103.2&rsquo;s app</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hope103.2" aria-label="Link Facebook">Facebook</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sydneyshope1032/" aria-label="Link Instagram">Instagram</a>.

When it comes to raising little ones, we often feel as though we have a small village around us – in morning play groups, meeting other parents at tots’ birthday parties, or on the sides of sports fields. It can feel like we have it (mostly) under control. Until our child gradually emerges into their teen years and so much changes! It is a unique time for both you and your child.

Sometimes, everything you thought you knew goes out the window and you’re struggling to keep up. You look around and the village seems to have diminished. Raising Teens will be part of your support system – your village! There will be something here for everyone who cares for teens. Most importantly, this is your resource, so we want to hear from you – your challenges, your suggestions – you are part of this community.

For more information, expert advice or to ask Collett a question, visit raisingteens.au.

The information provided on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation. It is not a substitute for professional advice. We recommend you seek a medical or healthcare professional if you are seeking advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via the Hope website, Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram. 

When it comes to raising little ones, we often feel as though we have a small village around us – in morning play groups, meeting other parents at tots’ birthday parties, or on the sides of sports fields. It can feel like we have it (mostly) under control. Until our child gradually emerges into their teen years and so much changes! It is a unique time for both you and your child.
Sometimes, everything you thought you knew goes out the window and you’re struggling to keep up. You look around and the village seems to have diminished. Raising Teens will be part of your support system – your village! There will be something here for everyone who cares for teens. Most importantly, this is your resource, so we want to hear from you – your challenges, your suggestions – you are part of this community.
For more information, expert advice or to ask Collett a question, visit <a href="https://www.raisingteenagers.com.au/" data-auth="VerificationFailed" data-linkindex="0">raisingteens.au</a>.
The information provided on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation. It is not a substitute for professional advice. We recommend you seek a medical or healthcare professional if you are seeking advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at <a href="http://www.hopepodcasts.com.au/">hopepodcasts.com.au</a>. And send the team a message via the <a href="https://hope1032.com.au/listen/podcasts/">Hope website</a>, <a href="https://hope1032.com.au/listen/#apps">Hope 103.2’s app</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hope103.2">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sydneyshope1032/">Instagram</a>.

Raising Teens with Collett Smart

When it comes to raising little ones, we often feel as though we have a small village around us – in morning play groups, meeting other parents at tots’ birthday parties, or on the sides of sports fields. It can feel like we have it (mostly) under control. Until our child gradually emerges into their teen years and so much changes! It is a unique time for both you and your child.

Sometimes, everything you thought you knew goes out the window and you’re struggling to keep up. You look around and the village seems to have diminished. Raising Teens will be part of your support system – your village! There will be something here for everyone who cares for teens. Most importantly, this is your resource, so we want to hear from you – your challenges, your suggestions – you are part of this community.

For more information, expert advice or to ask Collett a question, visit raisingteens.au.

The information provided on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation. It is not a substitute for professional advice. We recommend you seek a medical or healthcare professional if you are seeking advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram. 

When it comes to raising little ones, we often feel as though we have a small village around us – in morning play groups, meeting other parents at tots’ birthday parties, or on the sides of sports fields. It can feel like we have it (mostly) under control. Until our child gradually emerges into their teen years and so much changes! It is a unique time for both you and your child.
Sometimes, everything you thought you knew goes out the window and you’re struggling to keep up. You look around and the village seems to have diminished. Raising Teens will be part of your support system – your village! There will be something here for everyone who cares for teens. Most importantly, this is your resource, so we want to hear from you – your challenges, your suggestions – you are part of this community.
For more information, expert advice or to ask Collett a question, visit <a href="https://www.raisingteenagers.com.au/" data-auth="VerificationFailed" data-linkindex="0">raisingteens.au</a>.
The information provided on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation. It is not a substitute for professional advice. We recommend you seek a medical or healthcare professional if you are seeking advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at <a href="http://www.hopepodcasts.com.au/">hopepodcasts.com.au</a>. And send the team a message via <a href="https://hope1032.com.au/listen/#apps">Hope 103.2’s app</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hope103.2">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sydneyshope1032/">Instagram</a>.