"Stickiness"

So, in my job we use a term called "stickiness". It refers to the way in which lessons are taught and remembered by clients through a connection between the lesson and something the client finds interesting. For example, if a student was really interested in dragons, we might somehow teach social skills using an expereintial activity involving dragons.

Currently, I am assigned to work with a client (I will call her Jane) through animal assisted therapy. Every week a woman comes in with her dog and we all interact together. I have used animals as this "stickiness" tool to somehow connect with her. When she first arrived, Jane hardly spoke to anyone, and any communication was limited to little more than a shrug.

Through animal assisted therapy and a creation of a set of social goals which will ultimately lead to a chance for her to do some horsevaulting, Jane has opened up more than I could have hoped. Using "stickiness" has allowed me to gain her trust a little every day. I am excited to see what the future holds through this therapy!