Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling

Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling is the most comprehensive book available dedicated to training mental health practitioners in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). It explains the history and practice of AAT in counseling, discusses the latest empirical research, and provides an in-depth explanation of the psychodynamics of AAT within various theoretical frameworks. Readers will learn the proper way to select, train, and evaluate an animal for therapy. The use of a number of different therapy animals is considered, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, farm animals, rabbits and other small animals, and dolphins. Guidelines for implementing AAT in settings such as private practices, community agencies, schools, hospices, and prisons are covered, as well as ethical and legal considerations, risk management, diversity issues, and crisis and disaster response applications. Numerous case examples illustrate the use of AAT principles with clients, and forms, client handouts, and other resources provide valuable tools. This unique resource is an indispensable guide for any counselor looking to develop and implement AAT techniques in his or her practice.

An Introduction to Animal Assisted Therapy. Research in Animal Assisted Counseling and Related Areas. Selecting an Animal for Therapy Work. Training a Pet for Therapy Work. Evaluation of a Pet for Therapy Work. Risk Management and Ethical and Legal Considerations in Animal Assisted Counseling. Animal Assisted Interventions and Counseling Theories. Animal Assisted Counseling Practices. Equine Assisted Counseling. A Variety of AAT Applications. Sensitivity to Cultural Differences and Populations with Special Needs. Crisis and Disaster Response Counseling with Therapy Animals. Establishing a School-based Program for Animal Assisted Therapy and Education. International Considerations and Applications of Animal Assisted Therapy. Appendices: College and University Programs in Animal Assisted Therapy and Related Areas. Client Screening Form for Animal Assisted Therapy. Psychosocial Session Form. Animal Assisted Therapy Animal Illustrations: Instructions and Activities. Sample Course Syllabus for Counselor Training in Animal Assisted Therapy. Educational Resources for Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Activities. Sample Policy and Procedures for the Practice of Animal Assisted Therapy in a Counselor Training Program. Recommended Competency Areas and Accompanying Performance Guidelines for the Practice of Animal Assisted Therapy in Mental Health Counseling. Several Hospitals with AAA/AAT Programs. Sample Policies and Procedures for the Practice of Animal Assisted Therapy in an Agency or Private Practice.