Confidently cope with life’s challenges with the help of animals and nature
We give children, teens, young adults, and their families the tools to be their best selves through horticulture, nature-based care farming and animal-assisted therapy.
Building resilience through animals and nature
Dragonfly Care Farm provides customized therapeutic services to children, teens and young adults using horticulture, animal-assisted therapy (with small animals) and forest and nature based activities in a safe, inclusive space.
It can be hard to find your balance when life throws you a curveball. We strive to empower you to develop, recover or maintain your emotional well-being by blending therapeutic techniques, like cognitive behavioural interventions and play-based interventions, with the powerful benefits of nature and animals.
Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, social difficulties, emotional problems, grief, trauma, low self-esteem, or a significant life event, we’re here to help. We support those with autism, ADHD and other neurodiversity challenges. We are proud to support transgender, gender-expansive and non-binary individuals at our care farm.
A doctor’s referral or formal diagnosis isn’t needed to access our services.
For more information about our process, please get in touch.
Our Services
You won’t find stuffy sessions here. Our nature-based environment immediately shifts the tone from “clinical” to a fun, vibrant atmosphere. Children learn best through play and practicing their skills by being active and “doing.” At Dragonfly Care Farm, we offer a variety of experiences and workshops on the farm. Watch for our calendar of events for upcoming workshops, or contact us to book a session.
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Individual Counselling
Our certified child life specialist will work with the child and their family to develop a customized treatment plan that focuses on coping strategies while integrating nature and animals.
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Family Counselling
Goal-directed, collaborative sessions for family members seeking to understand each other better, support each other and work through challenging issues together. Sibling support sessions are available for kids who could use support and education about their sibling's unique needs.
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Workshops
Access a variety of in-person and online workshops for parents, caregivers, children, schools and community organizations on various topics such as illnesses, preparing for medical procedures, returning to school, and more.
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Community Site Support
We offer additional behavioural interventions and support to children, from personalized visual schedules and social stories to medical play to site visits at community clinics like dental and doctor’s offices.
Dragonfly Care Farm
Dragonfly Care Farm is a five-acre property gateway to adventure, coping, healing, learning and growth. We’re just steps away from the Historic Chisholm Mill in Roslin, Ontario, 20 minutes north of Belleville.
Our gardens, trails and land promote your journey to health and wellness. Under our care, you can engage in farming and horticulture activities, including animal care, gardening, forest management and more. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect to yourself, others, and the natural world around you.
Help make a difference with us
Do you have an interest in nature and a love for animals? Our team is always looking for enthusiastic and friendly individuals to join us to help with programming, animal care, property maintenance and management. An extra pair of hands can go a long way!
Areas we explore:
We work with those who experience:
Mental health challenges
Depression
Anxiety
Learning disabilities
Autism and ADHD
Disaffected youth
Brain injury and concussion
Developmental needs
Grief and bereavement
Behavioural challenges and fears
Difficulty regulating emotions (e.g., anger, anxiety)
Death of a loved one or pet
Coping with life changes (e.g., divorce, moving, new sibling)
Self-esteem/self-compassion
Coping with an upcoming medical appointment
School re-entry/re-integration
Coping skills
Advocacy support (school, healthcare)
FAQs
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Anyone with a barrier to their daily living or knows someone who would be a good fit for our programming. No formal diagnosis or doctor referral is needed. We currently support a full range of behavioural, mental health, developmental and learning, including autism, anxiety and worries, and more.
You can self-refer or refer on behalf of a family member or client you serve.
We receive many referrals from other social services agencies, school teachers, support workers, occupational therapists, speech therapists or physical therapists, GP or health professionals.
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Therapy sessions (initial visit and subsequent 1-hour sessions): Upon quotation.
Life skills programming: Based on client’s needs, length of session and 1:1 or small group format.
Workshops: Individually priced based on length, format and design.
Community site consultation: Quote is provided based on the scope of work identified at the initial meeting.
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We design all sessions to suit the person attending. After an initial assessment, our therapist will make a treatment plan specific to the client and family's needs, goals and interests.
Sessions are active and play-based and can include visiting and working with our animals, exploring our nature trails, taking part in mindfulness activities, exploring your creative side through nature art and science or playing therapeutic games, all in the name of overall wellness and coping.
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We are not open for general public access. We only accept appointments. This allows us to focus on providing vital services to those who need them most.
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We are a provincially incorporated non-profit. Our services are funded through fee-for-service therapy sessions, public and corporate donations, corporate sponsorship, grants and animal sponsorship.
Consider donating either as an individual or on behalf of a company.
You can sponsor one of our animals if there’s one you have a particular soft spot for.
Think about volunteering to help with animal care, trail and forest management, building and property maintenance and special event and program support.
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We take a limited number of work and placement opportunities at the farm. Get in touch with us to learn more.
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We offer a virtual therapy option to accommodate anyone unable to make it to the farm.