04/13/2026
Chicken Whisperer ~ Children’s Animal-Assisted Group Therapy
Social-Emotional Learning for Ages 9-12.
8 week program
Wednesdays 6:00 -7:30 pm
May 6 - June 24
Insurance eligible
Is your child struggling with emotional awareness, self-esteem, or resilience? Our unique "Chicken Whisperer" program offers a nurturing environment where children learn vital social-emotional skills through the care and companionship of chickens.
What is Chicken Whisperer?
Chicken Whisperer is an innovative animal-assisted therapy group designed for children aged 9-12. This 8-week program uses the engaging and calming presence of chickens to help children develop:
Emotional Awareness: Identifying and understanding their feelings.
Self-Esteem: Building confidence and a positive self-image.
Positive Self-Talk: Replacing negative thoughts with encouraging affirmations.
Growth Mindset: Embracing challenges and learning from mistakes.
Self-Compassion: Treating themselves with kindness and understanding.
Resiliency: Bouncing back from setbacks and adversity.
Self-Love: Accepting and appreciating themselves for who they are.
By learning to care for chickens, children develop empathy, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of their own needs and emotions.
How it Works
Weekly Group Sessions: Interactive activities and discussions facilitated by trained therapists.
Chicken Care: Hands-on experience feeding, cleaning, and interacting with chickens.
Mindfulness Exercises: Practicing present-moment awareness and emotional regulation.
Creative Expression: Using art and play to explore feelings.
Skill-Building Activities: Targeted exercises to develop specific social-emotional skills.
Each session is carefully designed to create a safe and supportive space where children can connect with themselves, with others, and with the animals around them. Through gentle guidance and positive reinforcement, we empower children to overcome challenges, build confidence, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. The 8 week course is specifically designed to build upon prior weeks to promote a consistent and enriching learning experience.
Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits for children, including:
Reduced anxiety and stress
Improved mood and emotional regulation
Increased self-esteem and confidence
Enhanced social skills and communication
Greater empathy and compassion
A stronger sense of connection and belonging
Is Chicken Whisperer Right for Your Child?
This program is ideal for children who:
Experience anxiety or stress
Have difficulty expressing their emotions
Struggle with self-esteem or confidence
Need support with social skills
Love animals or are curious about chickens
The program is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all children, regardless of their background or experience.
Insurance Coverage
Chicken Whisperer may be eligible for insurance coverage as a form of group therapy. Please contact your insurance provider to verify coverage for social-emotional learning group therapy facilitated by a Master's level registered social worker.
Next Steps
Ready to help your child unlock their full potential?
1. Contact Julie to learn more about the Chicken Whisperer program at www.nourishinghearts.ca, 226-239-3230, [email protected]
2. Schedule a consultation to determine if the program is a good fit for your child.
3. Enroll in the next 8-week session and watch your child thrive!
We look forward to welcoming your child to the Chicken Whisperer family!
