Hila Tal Hornik
October 10th, 2024
Education: Biology, previously worked as a researcher in a laboratory.
Currently works as an emotional therapist using animal-assisted therapy at "Ahava" Village for Children and Youth.

 

1. You made a change in your profession. Was it a long prepared decision, a result of not met expectations in your previous profession or something else?
This significant career change wasn't a sudden decision, but rather a gradual realization. I began to see the profound impact that animals could have on emotional well-being and this sparked a desire to explore this field further. The more I learned about animal-assisted therapy, the more I felt drawn to it as a profession that could combine my scientific background with my passion for helping others.
It wasn't that my expectations weren't met in biology; rather, I discovered a new path that resonated more deeply with my personal values and interests. Making this change required careful consideration and preparation, including additional education and training in therapeutic techniques. It was a significant shift, but one that I felt compelled to make based on my growing understanding of where I could make the most meaningful contribution.

2. How did you choose to become a social worker, what were main driving considerations that led you in this direction? 
My choice to become an animal-assisted therapist was driven by several key considerations:
1.    Lifelong passion: 
I've always had a deep love for both animals and people. This career allowed me to combine these two passions in a meaningful way.
2.    Life experience:
Over the years, I witnessed firsthand the powerful impact animals can have on peoples emotional. This observation piqued my curiosity and interest in the field.
3.    Desire for meaningful impact:
I wanted a career where I could make a positive difference in people's lives. Animal-assisted therapy offered this opportunity in a unique and powerful way.
4.    Personal fulfillment:
The idea of working in a field that combined my love for animals, my interest in human psychology, and my desire to help others seemed incredibly fulfilling.
5.    Growing field:
As I researched, I realized that animal-assisted therapy was an expanding field with increasing recognition of its benefits. This presented exciting opportunities for growth and contribution.
These driving considerations led me to pursue education and training in animal-assisted therapy, ultimately guiding me towards this rewarding career path.

3. Is your formal education "in line" with social work, or you had to complete some additional formal/informal education? 
My formal education in biology, while providing a strong scientific foundation, was not directly aligned with animal-assisted therapy. To transition into this field, I had to complete significant additional education and training.
To bridge this gap between the two fields, I undertook both formal and informal educational paths:
1.    Formal Education: 
I completed a specialized program in animal-assisted therapy, which included coursework in psychology, counseling techniques, animal behavior, and the theory and practice of animal-assisted interventions.
2.    Practical Training: 
I participated in numerous workshops and hands-on training sessions to learn how to effectively incorporate animals into therapeutic settings.
3.    Supervision: 
I worked under the guidance of experienced animal-assisted therapists to develop my skills and understanding of the field.
This additional education was crucial in preparing me for my role as an animal-assisted therapist. It allowed me to combine my scientific background with new therapeutic skills, creating a unique approach to helping others.

4. Was it challenging for you to find a job as a therapist? 
As an animal-assisted therapist, my journey to finding a job was unique. After completing my specialized training, I was fortunate to secure a position at "Ahava" Village for Children and Youth, where I had conducted my practical training. This transition from trainee to employee was relatively smooth due to the relationships I had built and the understanding I had developed of the specific needs of the children and youth at "Ahava."

5. Are you satisfied/happy with your current position; does it respond to your expectations? 
I am genuinely satisfied and happy with my current position as an animal-assisted therapist.
Working with children in a therapeutic ability, while incorporating animals into the process, has been incredibly fulfilling. It allows me to combine my passion for animals, my interest in human psychology, and my desire to make a positive impact on people's lives.
Some aspects that particularly satisfy me include:
1.    Witnessing growth: 
Seeing the progress and positive changes in the children and youth I work with, is immensely rewarding.
2.    Creative approach: 
The capacity to tailor animal-assisted interventions to each individual's needs keeps the work challenging and interesting.
3.    Continuous learning: 
This field constantly provides opportunities for learning and professional growth.
4.    Supportive environment:
"Ahava" Village offers a collaborative atmosphere that aligns with my values and goals.
5.    Tangible impact: 
I can see the direct positive effects of animal-assisted therapy on the emotional well-being of the children.
While every job has its challenges, the difficulties I encounter serve to deepen my commitment to this work and drive me to continually improve my skills. Overall, this position has provided me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I had hoped for when making my career change.

6. How do you see yourself as a social worker in coming years, what would you like to improve at personal level and what on a social field level? 
As an animal-assisted therapist, I see myself continuing to grow and evolve in the coming years. My vision encompasses both personal development and contributions to the broader field of animal-assisted therapy.
On a personal level, I'd like to improve:
1.    Expertise in specific populations: I aim to deepen my knowledge and skills in working with particular groups, such as individuals with PTSD.
2.    Advanced therapeutic techniques: I want to integrate more sophisticated therapeutic approaches into my animal-assisted interventions.
3.    Research skills: I hope to contribute to the growing field of research in animal-assisted therapy, perhaps by conducting my own studies or collaborating on larger research projects.
4.    Animal behavior expertise: While I have a strong foundation, I want to continually refine my understanding of animal behavior and welfare in therapeutic settings.
5.    Self-care practices: To maintain my effectiveness as a therapist, I want to improve my self-care routines and stress management techniques.
On a social field level, I'd like to see and contribute to:
1.    Increased recognition: I hope to help elevate the status of animal-assisted therapy as a respected and integral part of mental health treatment.
2.    Standardization of practices: I'd like to contribute to the development of more standardized protocols and best practices in our field.
3.    Accessibility: I want to work towards making animal-assisted therapy more accessible to diverse populations and in various settings.
4.    Interdisciplinary collaboration: I hope to foster more collaboration between animal-assisted therapists and professionals in related fields like psychology, social work, and occupational therapy.
5.    Public education: I aim to increase public awareness about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy and promote responsible human-animal interactions.
By focusing on these areas, I believe I can continue to grow as a professional while also contributing to the advancement of animal-assisted therapy as a whole.
7. What do you think the sector could do to recruit more employees?
To recruit more employees to the animal-assisted therapy sector, I believe several strategies could be effective:
1.    Increase awareness: 
Promote the field through educational campaigns, highlighting its effectiveness and the rewarding nature of the work. This could include social media outreach, presentations at universities, and participation in career fairs.
2.    Partnerships with educational institutions: 
Develop stronger ties with universities and colleges, encouraging the inclusion of animal-assisted therapy courses in relevant degree programs like psychology, social work, and occupational therapy.
3.    Address misconceptions: 
Tackle common misunderstandings about the field, emphasizing its scientific basis and professional nature.
4.    Showcase success stories: 
Share impactful case studies and testimonials from both practitioners and clients to illustrate the field's value.
5.    Offer competitive compensation: 
Ensure salaries and benefits are competitive with related fields to tract and retain talented professionals.
6.    Promote work-life balance: 
Highlight the potential for flexible working arrangements and the motional rewards of the work.
7.    Develop mentorship programs: 
Create structured mentorship opportunities to support new professionals entering the field.
By implementing these strategies, the sector could attract a wider pool of talented individuals passionate about combining animal care with human wellbeing.