Healing With Paws and Purpose: Wendy Coombe on the Power of Animal-Assisted Therapy

In this insightful and heart-led episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate sits down with Wendy Coombe, founder of Animal Therapies Limited (ATL) — a pioneering Australian not-for-profit reshaping the landscape of therapeutic support through the healing power of animals. Wendy takes us on the inspiring journey behind ATL’s creation, born from personal experience and grown into a national movement advocating for the formal recognition, education, and integration of animal-assisted services across health, education, disability, and aged care sectors. With warmth and clarity, Wendy explains the vital differences between simply owning a pet and animal-assisted therapy, highlighting the deep science, structure, and professional collaboration behind this growing field. From guinea pigs helping children build empathy to dogs working alongside occupational therapists, ATL is leading the way — not just in Australia, but globally — in promoting accessible, evidence-based care through human–animal connection. Tune in to hear: The real impact of animal-assisted therapy across diverse communities How ATL is driving national standards and global leadership in the sector Why connection — whether furry or human — is at the heart of all healing The personal story that inspired a powerful movement Animal Therapies Limited https://animaltherapies.org.au/ #TheGlitterEffect #AnimalTherapiesLimited #WendyCoom #AnimalAssistedTherapy #DisabilitySupport #MentalHealthMatters #TherapyAnimals #CompassionInAction #PetTherapy #SocialImpact #AustralianPodcast #HealingTogether