Connecting People, Animals & Nature for Better Mental Health
In 2022 Dr Karen founded the Centre for Animal and Nature Assisted Therapy, a non-profit organisation aiming to advance this type of therapy for mental health and wellbeing, and where possible provide therapy to those in need.
CANAT works with individuals and organisations and also conducts research - all with the common aim of supporting clients to improve their mental health in a lasting way.
Animal and nature assisted therapy can be in woodland and open countryside, and can involve animals like horses, birds of prey and small farm animals.
Our nature connection group activities and individual sessions are always bespoke, designed for the season, the location, the people and animals taking part, creating a sensory experience of deep connection and a heartfelt sense of wellbeing that can be truly transformative.
We welcome all donations, however small, to help us in our mission, and especially to reach those who are suffering chronic mental illness. Your financial support can be life-changing.
We process donations through the 'localgiving' platform, allowing us to claim Gift Aid from UK taxpayers.
“During my two hour session, the anxiety loop I’d been trapped in for ages just fell away. I had arrived feeling wired. By the end I was emotionally drained, but feeling calm. By the time I got home I was back to myself for the first time in ages. I rarely get an anxiety attack now, but if I do, just picturing the animals and remembering how I felt being near them helps it quickly fade away.”
CANAT's Directors
CANAT is a Community Interest Company governed by our Founder, Dr Karen Stead-Dexter, and directors Dr Fiona Tilley and Kate Clifford.
Dr Fiona Tilley
After an early career as a Lecturer in Environment and Business at Leeds University and research specialising in the relationship between business practices and environmental sustainability, Dr Tilley has spent over 15 years in her mid career working independently specialising in transformational and experiential learning with an emphasis on nature connection and indigenous practices.
Rooted in sustainability, experiential learning, and nature-connected practice, her work bridges inner development with cultural transformation. From universities and leadership programmes to grassroots initiatives, she supports individuals and groups to navigate change with clarity, courage, and imagination. She guides people back into deeper relationship with themselves, each other, and the living world, reconnecting inner and outer worlds by creating transformative spaces for personal growth and organisational change.
"She leads others to rethink how we live, lead, and belong — to place, to community, and to the more-than-human world."
Her clients included Exeter University, Plymouth University, Schumacher College, Embercombe educational charity and retreat centre, Real Farming College, and the School for Social Entrepreneurs
Kate Clifford
While now working towards a doctorate in Philanthropy Studies, Kate's earlier career spanned project management, consulting in engineering and urban development, and humanitarian work, while for the last 20 years she has owned various businesses and volunteered at Trustee level for non-profit organisations. She provides invaluable skills and perspective that complement the expertise of Drs Tilley and Stead-Dexter, in particular supporting CANAT with strategy, finances and administration.
Have Any Questions About CANAT?
The Centre for Animal and Nature Assisted Therapy, CANAT, is a Community Interest Company (CIC) registered in England with company number 13814782, where all profits are reinvested.
If you would like to know more about our work, discuss a donation or fundraise for us, please get in touch. Thank you for reaching out to us.
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