Alexiane Bléjean and Ani Torosyan are launching into animal mediation, after winning the “Yes you can” grant, launched by the Rambouillet town hall. With Teddy, a three and a half year old Creole shepherd, they organized their first workshop with women victims of violence.
One is the mother, the other is the godmother. Teddy, a three and a half year old Creole shepherd, between the two. Alexiane Bléjean, 24 years old, home help, and Ani Torosyan, 27 years old, social worker met as part of the theater workshop run by the local mission of Rambouillet.
Until a few months ago, they didn't know each other. However, they applied together for the “Yes you can” system, meaning “yes, it is possible”, supported by the town hall which is aimed at young people aged 16 to 25 living in the Rambolitan area. “We very quickly became friends and above all, we had the same projects: developing animal mediation in the south of Yvelines,” recall the young women.
As a reminder, the “Yes you can” project is supported by the City in partnership with the Bascan high school, the Rambouillet local intercommunal mission and the Usine à Chapeau. This system was created during the last mandate, as part of the equal opportunities commission led by the deputy mayor, Marie Caresmel.
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“We realized, after Covid, that young people needed more help than before, whether in the professional world, for access to employment, but also to simply believe and realize their dreams,” observed the referent a year ago.
“These are young people who we must help with our skills and our network, giving them a chance to express themselves.”
Marie Caresmel (deputy mayor)
5,000 euros to get started
In this context, the two friends received a grant of 5,000 euros to get their project off the ground. A sum which allowed them to train in canine and feline first aid (PSCF), and to soon focus on obtaining the certificate of knowledge for pets of domestic species, (ACACED), certified by the state. “We created our professional path based on the training that exists,” emphasizes Ani Torosyan. “Many people practice animal mediation without it, but for us, it is necessary to have these keys. »
Rambouillet: “Yes you can”, a system to help young people’s projects
Beginners in the sector, the two young women are slowly approaching existing associations to practice. “I was already Teddy's mother, I had to make sure that his character was suitable for animal mediation,” explains Alexiane Bléjean. We first tested those around us. The animal in this context must be a support tool in the social sector. Ultimately, we would like to intervene in medico-social structures, or even early childhood. » To be a mediator, Teddy must be trained, insured, vaccinated and agreed with the structures.
In a few months and once the necessary training has been acquired, “we would each like to create our own business. This will allow us to subsequently be partners in our interventions and legally have the same status. »
It could also be that Teddy will soon no longer be the only star of mediation. “During my internships, I have already attended mediation with guinea pigs… But I would be more tempted to do it with a donkey,” says Ani Torosyan. Donkey mediation is very similar to equine therapy. We would thus form two pairs. »
A first experience with women victims of violence
After the first steps at the Bergerie nationale, in Rambouillet, during its open days, the associates were contacted by an association helping women who have suffered domestic and intra-family violence. Three sessions with one objective: to create a bond of trust with the animal. “It was very upsetting,” they agree.
Before approaching Teddy, “there are certain rules that we have in place. First concerning animal welfare. Everything is done so that he is not overstimulated,” explains Alexiane Bléjean.
“Then to create a bond of trust,” says Ani Torosyan. A course created to develop the union with the animal. And let Teddy feel at ease too. Once this link is created, the session can begin. Despite sometimes bumpy life paths, people, when they approach Teddy, change their outlook, their energy, their posture. “It was incredible to see the magic happen,” recalls Ani Torosyan.
premium “I felt a lot of joy”, at the Jean-Félix Paulsen high school in Châteaudun, animal mediation helps the students
However, sometimes the connection is difficult to establish. “It’s not that obvious. One of the women we accompanied was unable to make eye contact with Teddy, explains Alexiane Bléjean. At the end of the sessions, she told us: “I have the impression of seeing in Teddy, my way of being in society. Teddy is the mirror of myself.” » As the sessions are constructed with the three stakeholders, the mediation was subsequently focused on the mirror effect with the animal. “It was very interesting to evolve at the same time and with the people we support. »
Confidence bubble
In these cases where people have suffered violence, animal mediation no longer proves itself. “The benefits are numerous. » Reconnect with your emotions, learn to recognize and name them, restore self-esteem, relearn respect for others…
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“Beyond trusting a third party, in this case our trio and mainly Teddy, we restore, through simple exercises, confidence in people, in what these women can bring to others,” demonstrate the two partners.
“We wanted these women to feel safe. That they were no longer just victims and categorized as such. We wanted to give them a different perspective that society can give them. Kindness and listening.”
Alexiane Blejean and Ani Torosyan (empty)
But also thanks to the dog, giving a positive meaning to bodily contact. Mission accomplished. At the end of these three sessions, these women accompanied by mediation leave with a “toolbox”, particularly via visualization mediation, “to use whenever they need it in their daily life. We are neither psychologists nor therapists, but we have, through our professions, knowledge of these subjects. We knew and were able to redirect some of them to existing local systems ready to take over. »
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