Profile

brianna.burns@naropa.edu

From a young age, I have been simultaneously captivated and curious about the experience of animals and their relationship to humans. I grew up loving a range of beings including dogs, cats, ferrets, rats, and fish friends. My heart has always been pulled towards the metaphysical questions of life, which lead to pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a double major in Philosophy with a minor in Religious Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. Upon graduation, I desired a career and life path that allowed me to intertwine all of these interests and passions. I worked in the animal welfare industry as a Vet Assistant and Pet Admissions Associate until starting my graduate education at Naropa University. I am currently a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology candidate. While being a full-time student, I am also an Adoptions Counselor at our local, non-profit animal shelter. I dream of becoming a licensed Animal-Assisted Psychotherapist and a lifelong student of research on mending the human-animal connection globally. I believe whole-heartedly in the innate healing capacity of animals. Through a mutually respectful and compassionate relationship, both humans and animals can heal one another.

United States

Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology

Human-Animal Connection in a Therapeutic Setting, Cultural Beliefs towards the Human-Animal Connection

Naropa University