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The fourth edition of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling is the most comprehensive book available dedicated to training mental health practitioners in the performance of animal-assisted therapy in counseling.This edition includes material on real-world animal-assisted interventions featuring counselor-client dialogues and sample therapeutic opportunities. Each chapter includes the most recent research and practice, and a wide variety of case examples present animal-assisted interventions in different settings with different types of animals.This unique resource is an indispensable guide for any counselor or psychotherapist looking to develop and implement animal-assisted therapy techniques in practice.

La zoothérapie est un soin complémentaire non médicamenteux qui se pratique à l'aide d'un animal familier, consciencieusement sélectionné et éduqué, sous la responsabilité d'un intervenant, dans l'environnement immédiat de personnes chez qui l'on cherche à éveiller des réactions visant à maintenir ou à améliorer leur potentiel cognitif, physique, psychosocial ou affectif. L'animal n'est ni un médicament, ni un thérapeute, c'est un médiateur.Ce manuel de zoothérapie s'adresse aux professionnels des secteurs de la santé, de l'action sociale et médico-sociale ou du monde éducatif qui souhaitent se former à cette pratique. L'exercice de la médiation par l'animal en milieu institutionnel demande l'observation de règles élémentaires de prudence, d'éthique et de sécurité. En plus d'une introduction générale à la zoothérapie et à l'animal médiateur, il offre une synthèse des pratiques professionnelles validées au sein de l'Institut français de zoothérapie dans les secteurs de l'éducation spécialisée, de la gérontologie, de la santé mentale et du handicap. Sous la direction de François BEIGERADINS Catherine : psychiatre. BRINDJONC Katia : aide-soignante. BUOT Véronique : zoothérapeute. DELAYAYE Isabelle : éducatrice spécialisée PJJ. DIBOU Gaëlle : psychologue. FAUCON Marine : ergothérapeute. IMBERT Corinne : orthophoniste. LANGLOIS Fanny : psychomotricienne. LESPINASSE Sophie : infirmière. LUTTIAU Stéphanie : infirmière en psychiatrie. MADRENNES Anaïs : psychomotricienne. MIGLIETTI Bernadette : enseignante spécialisée. NEUVILLE Candice : infirmière cadre

Animals as the Third in Relational Psychotherapy: Exploring Theory, Frame and Practice elegantly and skilfully weaves together relevant literature, clinical reflections, compelling case material and contemporary psychoanalytic theory to demonstrate how the presence of an animal in the treatment arena can eventually bring about relational, interpersonal and intrapsychic change. Contemporary relational psychoanalytic literature has been virtually silent about our relationship with animals, a feature seemingly intrinsic to our relational worlds. This book seeks to remediate this void by giving voice to the practice and principles of working relationally in the presence of an animal. The text accentuates recurrent themes: animals are seen by human beings as significant subjective others and are treated as legitimate partners for relational and interpersonal processes, attachment figures and transferential objects; animals in the psychotherapy environment can play the role as a ‘bridge'from the unconscious to the conscious, from the dissociated to the experienced, from the intrapsychic to the interpersonal; as the third in the treatment arena, the animal helps to reveal the field, bringing conflicts to life and making them available for analysis in the clinical setting. In seeking to authorise the incorporation of animals into the practice of relational psychotherapy the text applies conventional concepts to novel contexts; it extends psychoanalytic and relational principles to create a theoretical framework within which to consider the therapeutic effects of working in the triadic interactions of therapist, client and animal and thus also begins to evolve a new version of relational psychoanalytic practice. The authors value the human-animal experience in treatment and repeatedly show how the application of a relational psychoanalytic lens to the patient-therapist-animal triad can enhance the therapeutic process in ways that encourage progressive communication, understanding of the patient and the relaxing of defences, leading to the symbolising of relational capacity, therapeutic breakthrough and intrapsychic change.

Through practical, real-life examples, Assessing Handlers for Competence in Animal-Assisted Interventions provides guidance to any person working with animals in any setting. Facilities that have volunteers who work independently are in the greatest need of competent handlers, yet many of those facilities accept handlers with only proof of animal vaccinations. Other facilities accept an evaluation of the animal-handler team without knowing whether that evaluation relates to their facility or client dynamics. Both of these problems easily can be remedied with basic guidance.Howie brings more than thirty years of experience as an AAI provider, coordinator, and mental health therapist to bear on the topic of competence for animal handlers. In a friendly, easy-to-read style, she clearly explains the need for competencies while identifying broad categories currently in use. She then outlines training that addresses those competencies based on individual facility and client dynamics. She further describes one model for easily integrating competency assessment into an interview and provides a form for documenting the competency assessment. Additionally, Howie addresses how to deal with problems that can arise in program management.Anyone who reads this book will come away with the knowledge and confidence to assess handlers'competence.

In October 1967, eighteen-year-old Patrick Bradley enlisted in the US Army and was later deployed to Vietnam to map mobile POW camps to determine a pattern for rescuing prisoners. Combat left him physically and psychologically wounded, as it does many veterans, and Bradley struggled to adjust when he returned home. He seemed destined for military prison after an altercation in which he broke a superior officer's jaw, but his life changed forever when a psychiatrist recommended a unique path for healing.Thanks to a program sponsored by the Canadian government, Bradley traveled to Canada to study bald eagles and document their behavior. He found himself recovering while living alone in the wild with minimal supplies or human contact. At the same time, his work was paving the way for groundbreaking research, including the discovery of a link between the use of the pesticide DDT and a decrease in southern bald eagle populations. Later, he forged a successful career training and managing wild animals and committed himself to helping other wounded warriors by cofounding the Avian Veteran Alliance, a nonprofit that pairs veterans suffering from PTSD and physical injuries with injured birds of prey.The Eagle on My Arm tells Bradley's inspirational story for the first time. This moving account reveals how a soldier became a dedicated healer, using his years of study and solitude to face his demons and turn his pain into a lifelong passion for helping others.

This book brings the animal into the scholarly discussion of animal-assisted therapy and other interventions. Challenging the current reliance on outcome studies, the author offers a new way of thinking empirically about animal-assisted interventions—analysis of human-animal interaction as a critical component. Through empirical demonstrations from laboratory and applied settings, the book encourages practitioners and scholars to undergo a deeper examination of the basic interactions that occur between clients or patients and therapy animals. Dr. Fournier provides new ideas on measurement, experimentation, and interpretation of human-animal interaction, aimed at identifying the role of the animal in interventions for human health and well-being.

Animals can be valuable allies in the aftermath of a natural disaster or human-made crisis. There is growing research that the presence of specially trained canines can help survivors and first responders recover both physically and mentally from traumatic events. Touching or being in the presence of a dog can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels; relieve anxiety; lessen isolation; amplify feelings of support and comfort; bolster motivation and morale; and improve expression and regulation of emotions. When survivors are alone, displaced, or separated from loved ones, dogs can connect them to helping professionals and networks of support. Animal-assisted crisis response (AACR) is a unique and proven intervention following crises and disasters. AACR teams are specially skilled, trained, and evaluated handlers with therapy dogs deployed after myriad incidents, including natural disasters, school or other mass shootings, terrorist attacks, and suicides, and also in nonemergency programs such as grief camps for children and memorial services for community traumas. Through detailed case studies written by certified crisis dog handlers, this book demonstrates how each AACR presents its own unique challenges and opportunities. The authors discuss the intersection of psychological first aid (PFA) and AACR, offering canine-based techniques that can be incorporated into PFA and all trauma-informed care.

A four-stage programme for parents and families looking to introduce a dog into their home for the therapeutic and practical benefits that can be brought to a child with autism, including development of communication skills and toilet training. Based on first-hand knowledge, the programme was created through the successful experience the author had bringing up two children at opposite ends of the autism spectrum.This guide is comprehensive and highly practical, with case examples, tips and advice throughout. It covers all aspects of responsible ownership and training of the dog as a companion dog, and it provides tips throughout the dog's entire life cycle. Accessible for families and professionals alike, this innovative programme can have a huge impact on the life of children with disabilities.

Animal Assisted Therapy is becoming increasingly popular in education settings, but there is very little information on how to implement it. This practical guide provides everything you need to know to introduce a therapy dog, and the various benefits that a dog can have for pupils, from young children to teenagers.

Tiere als therapeutische und pädagogische Helfer einzusetzen ist heute fächerübergreifend üblich geworden. Die Forschung hat die förderlichen physiologischen, psychologischen und sozialen Effekte der Mensch-Tier-Interaktion umfassend bestätigt. Das Lehrbuch geht von diesen positiven Befunden der bio-psycho-sozialen Wirkungen von Mensch-Tier-Interaktionen aus. Im Mittelpunkt stehen einerseits Grundlagen und Formen eines gezielten Einsatzes von Tieren in verschiedenen Arbeitsfeldern Sozialer Arbeit. Andererseits werden persönliche Beziehungen zwischen Menschen und Haustieren mit ihren positiven wie auch negativen Facetten betrachtet und die Frage beantwortet, wie Fachkräfte der Sozialen Arbeit die Tiere ihrer Klientinnen und Klienten in der Praxis berücksichtigen können.

Der gesamte Bereich der tiergestützten Interventionen hat sich in den letzten Jahren erheblich ausgeweitet und professionalisiert. Das vielfältige Wirkungsspektrum, das Tiere auf Menschen haben, ist unumstritten und wird zunehmend auch wissenschaftlich belegt. Die kommerzielle Nutzung von Tieren beinhaltet jedoch auch immer das Risiko, dass die Tiere instrumentalisiert und nicht artgerecht eingesetzt werden. Dieses Buch befasst sich daher neben den Voraussetzungen, die geschaffen werden sollten, um professionell und qualitativ hochwertig tiergestützt zu arbeiten, auch mit den Risiken, die sich für die Tiere bei fehlender Fachlichkeit ergeben. Mit entsprechender Qualifikation und einem verantwortungsvollen Umgang mit Mensch UND Tier kann die tiergestützte Arbeit allerdings auch ein wichtiger Bestandteil sein, um den Tierschutz weiter voranzubringen: besonders junge Menschen, die früh die Achtung und den Respekt vor Tieren erlernen, können zukünftig einen wertvollen Beitrag leisten, den Stand der Tiere in der Gesellschaft zu verbessern – dies gilt neben den beliebten Haustieren besonders für die sogenannten „Nutztiere“.

The third edition of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling is the most comprehensive book available dedicated to training mental health practitioners in the performance of animal assisted therapy in counseling (AAT-C). New to this edition is discussion of the human-animal relational theory, a new theory dedicated to the practice of AAT-C. This edition also has added applications for supervision and includes the most recent research and practice. Consistent with previous editions, a variety of animal-assisted interventions are described with case examples provided in a variety of settings with different types of animals. This unique resource is an indispensable guide for any counselor or psychotherapist looking to develop and implement AAT techniques in practice.

Succinct, highly readable and thought provoking, this important new text is designed to raise awareness of the potential economic impact of companion animals in the UK. It discusses the potential benefits and costs of companion animals to the economy and highlights the need for this matter to be thoroughly researched, given the potential scale of impact and the potential costs of ignoring this matter. The book includes: - case studies to illustrate the savings to the NHS that might be associated with companion animal ownership; - links to up-to-date tables and content that might form templates for use in other countries; and - highly readable information written by expert authors and key opinion leaders in the field. Inspired by the seminal Council for Science and Society (CSS) Report, Companion Animals in Society (1988), this work updates and extends its evaluation of the economic impact of companion animals on society and lays a benchmark for future development. This pivotal new book is important for policy makers at national and international levels and all those involved in animal welfare.

Unleash the Extraordinary Healing Power of Your Furry FriendsIf you're an animal lover seeking a natural approach to health and wellness, prepare to be captivated by the multi-award-winning book, Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse. Carlyn Montes De Oca, an acupuncturist, animal-human health expert, and passionate animal advocate, reveals the remarkable ways our pets can uniquely contribute to our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.'Carlyn Montes De Oca takes us on an engaging and insightful journey, ​unveiling the marvelous and unexpected healing powers of cats and dogs. With sound science and heart-warming anecdotes, this is a book you will not want to miss!'–Neal Barnard, MD, author and President of Physician's Committee for Responsible MedicineDrawing upon her extensive knowledge of Chinese Medicine and personal stories about her lively “six-pack” of rescue dogs and cats, Carlyn provides us with an enlightening read. Throughout the book's pages she expertly weaves together a tapestry of modern science, holistic health advice, and inspiring anecdotes from artists, celebrities and fellow animal lovers who have witnessed the power of the animal-human health connection. Among them, acclaimed best-selling author, Jack Canfield.Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse not only reveals how our pets are some of the most powerful allies we will ever have to transform our lives for the better, it has a playful side too. Each chapter begins with a thought-provoking quote and is highlighted with whimsical illustrations that are sure to make you smile. At the end of every chapter, you will also find a Pawsitive Prescription from the esteemed offices of Nurse Kitty Wiskas and Dr. Harry Friend. These contain short actionable steps to help you practice what you are learning. And when you finish your book, you'll be provided a link for a photo gallery to see exclusive images of the author's life, and meet all of the humans and animals who contributed to this book.In an age when most of us will suffer from a preventable chronic illness, Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse gently opens our eyes', to the untapped potential of the animal-human bond. Join the growing movement of animal lovers who have embraced the healing wisdom of their pets. Pick up your copy now and get ready to embark on a one-of-a-kind pet-inspired journey towards a healthier, happier, and more extraordinary life.

Iris Grace is a beautiful little girl who, from a very young age, barely communicated, avoided social interaction with other people, and rarely smiled. From both before her diagnosis of autism and after, she seemed trapped in her own world, unable to connect with those around her.One day, her mother brought home a Maine Coon kitten for Iris, even though cats aren't typically thought of as therapy pets. Thula, named after one of Iris's favorite African lullabies and meaning “peace” in Zulu, immediately bonded with Iris. Thula knew right away how to assuage Iris when she became overstimulated; when to intervene when Iris became overwhelmed; and how to provide distraction when Iris started heading toward a meltdown. Whether exploring, playing, sleeping, or taking a bath with Iris or accompanying the family on a bike ride, Thula became so much more than a therapy cat. With Thula's safe companionship, Iris began to talk and interact with her family.This heartwarming story is illustrated with sixty of Iris's gorgeous impressionistic paintings, works of art that have allowed her to express herself since the age of three. A gifted artist, Iris sees the natural world in a profoundly vivid and visceral way. With Thula by her side, she'll sit and paint for hours, and the results are stunning.Inspiring and touching, Iris Grace follows the struggles and triumphs of a family—and a miracle cat—as they learn to connect with an amazing child.

This major work summarizes the recent research and findings on the interactions of pets and their owners and the social and emotional benefits that may be derived by families who have pets. Social and health scientists explore the pervasiveness of the animal/human bond and the high prevalence of pets in U.S. households, including pets and children, pets and the elderly, pets as factors of stability and instability in family relationships, and pets as therapy for ill, grieving, and disabled family members. With this carefully researched book, researchers and family health professionals can better understand the complexities of family/animal interaction and can pursue further study into this increasingly important subject in contemporary society.

Afternoons with Puppy is a heartwarming account of dynamic relationships and outcomes involving a therapist, his therapy animals, and his patients, gathered from almost two decades of ongoing practice. It is a narrative of Dr. Aubrey H. Fine's experiences and his growing respect for the power of the animals'effects on his patients and himself. Fine observes that healing is rarely, if ever, accomplished in isolation. There is always a reaching out and a connection at the heart of the therapeutic enterprise. Afternoons with Puppy reveals the ways in which people's bonds with animals centers their beings. Interacting with an animal, as simple as having a puppy in your lap gnawing on your thumb, strips away the unimportant and provides the neutral, primal ground on which healing and new growth can take place. Afternoons with Puppy is an emotional journey that will continue long after the last page.

An honest and deeply moving debut memoir about a young woman's battle with depression and how her dog saved her lifeA New York Times Bestseller “Dog Medicine simply has to be your next must-read.” —Cheryl Strayed At twenty-two, Julie Barton collapsed on her kitchen floor in Manhattan. She was one year out of college and severely depressed. Summoned by Julie's incoherent phone call, her mother raced from Ohio to New York and took her home. Haunted by troubling childhood memories, Julie continued to sink into suicidal depression. Psychiatrists, therapists, and family tried to intervene, but nothing reached her until the day she decided to do one hopeful thing: adopt a Golden Retriever puppy she named Bunker. Dog Medicine captures the anguish of depression, the slow path to recovery, the beauty of forgiveness, and the astonishing ways animals can help heal even the most broken hearts and minds.

Die Autorin möchte in diesem Werk die Frage klären, ob und wie der Einsatz von Hunden im psychiatrischen Versorgungssystem in Bezug auf die Rehabilitation von Menschen mit psychischen Störungen wirksam sein kann. Hierfür werden verschiedene Interventionsmöglichkeiten und Beispiele aus der Praxis sowie wissenschaftliche Studien dargestellt. Das Interesse der Autorin liegt hier im Besonderen auf der spezifisch therapeutischen Funktion des Tieres innerhalb eines professionellen Teams als sozialtherapeutische Maßnahme. Inwieweit eignen sich eventuelle soziale Effekte des Hundeeinsatzes zur Wiedereingliederung von Menschen mit psychischen Störungen in die Gesellschaft? Die Autorin schlägt zur Beantwortung dieser Frage einen Bogen über das psychiatrische Versorgungssystem der BRD über die Tiergestützte Arbeit im Allgemeinen zur Tiergestützten Arbeit mit dem Hund. Sie geht dieser Frage mit einem kritischen Blick auf das Wohl von Mensch und Hund nach.

Das Zusammensein mit Hund, Katze oder Meerschweinchen kann das psychosoziale Wohlbefinden demenziell erkrankter Menschen in vielfältiger Weise positiv beeinflussen. Die Potentiale, aber auch die Grenzen tiergestützter Interventionen in der Demenzbetreuung verdeutlicht Sandra Wesenberg anhand einer Übersicht über verschiedene internationale Studien sowie durch eine eigene empirische Untersuchung. Außerdem erläutert sie umfassend, welche Wirkmechanismen den förderlichen Mensch-Tier-Begegnungen zugrunde liegen und wie spezifische Bedürfnisse demenziell erkrankter Menschen in der Interaktion mit Tieren erfüllt werden können.

Blinden Menschen fällt es in unserer lauten und hektischen Gesellschaft nicht einfach sich zurecht zu finden. Es wurden schon zahlreiche Hilfsmittel entwickelt die den Alltag erleichtern sollen. Eine besondere Stellung nimmt hierbei der Blindenführhund ein. Deshalb beschäftigt sich die vorliegende Studie mit der Frage, inwieweit Assistenzhunde zu der Inklusion von Menschen mit Behinderung in die Gesellschaft beitragen. Um insbesondere den Einsatz von Blindenführhunden zu untersuchen und diskutieren wurde die aktuelle Fachliteratur durch die individuellen Erfahrungen Betroffener ergänzt. Das Verhalten der Mitmenschen gegenüber einem sehbeeinträchtigten Menschen mit Blindenführhund wird aufgezeigt und dem Leser sollen Handlungsweisen im Umgang mit blinden Menschen näher gebracht werden.

Here is an excellent “how-to” guide for initiating pet-facilitated therapy programs with the elderly. Pets and the Elderly is a practical book that explains how to implement carefully planned programs in residential and nursing homes and in geriatric and psychiatric hospitals, with pets in residence or as visitors. The authors review past research, building a strong case for the therapeutic use of pets in the rehabilitation of older persons. They also share innovative program suggestions, testimonials from participants of successful programs, a comprehensive questionnaire for program evaluation, and the advantages and disadvantages of using various pets, highlighting their therapeutic potential, the training and care required, and much more!

In the spirit of A Street Cat Named Bob and Dewey comes a mother's touching, true account of how a rescue cat named Billy transformed her autistic boy's life.Louise Booth and her husband had always dreamed of having a child. But when their son Fraser was born, Louise immediately knew something was wrong. Fraser was an angry child, prone to frequent screaming fits. When the family moved to the Balmoral Estate (Queen Elizabeth's summer residence), where Louise's husband had been hired to be the Queen's electrician, Louise plummeted into depression, worn down by her son's constant needs. At eighteen months, Fraser was diagnosed with autism and hypotonia, a muscle tone condition that affected his ability to walk and use his hands. Louise and her husband Chris were given the devastating news that Fraser would never go to a mainstream school, and it seemed all hope was lost.Then came Billy. A grey cat who'd been found in an abandoned house and left at a shelter, Billy came home with the family, purred, and laid his paws across Fraser's lap. The two became inseparable from that moment on, and slowly but surely, Billy transformed Fraser's life.Within two years of Billy joining their family, Louise watched her son evolve from being a toddler prone to anxiety, tantrums, and sudden emotional meltdowns into a much calmer, less moody child with a bright future. In their home on the beautiful Balmoral Estate, Billy still acts as Fraser's guardian, never leaving his side at mealtimes and bedtimes or whenever he's feeling low. Their profound bond has immeasurably improved both their lives and the family's, bringing them countless hilarious and touching moments along the way.A Sunday Times bestseller in the UK, When Fraser Met Billy is “a story of quiet, enigmatic triumph” (The Daily Mail), a powerful testament to a family's love for their child, and a treat for animal lovers everywhere.

This fascinating new book addresses the most recent research and provocative findings on the use of pets in mental health therapy. The historical basis of using pets in therapy is reviewed, and numerous examples are provided of results incurred from prescribing pets to disabled, lonely, incarcerated, and institutionalized individuals. The author provides convincing evidence of the therapeutic value of animals in making us happier, healthier, and more sociable. Although the terms human-animal bond and pet-facilitated therapy are relative newcomers to the scientific literature, the concepts they encompass have been with us for centuries. BACKCOVER COPY Research has shown that animals can promote humor, laughter, play, and a sense of importance in people. This fascinating book explores the provocative findings on the use of pets in mental health therapy. Although the terms human-animal bond and pet-facilitated therapy are relative newcomers to the scientific literature, the concepts they encompass have been with us for centuries. The historical basis of using pets in therapy is reviewed, and numerous examples show the astonishing results of prescribing pets to disabled, lonely, incarcerated, and institutionalized individuals. Odean Cusack, animal lover and writer, provides convincing evidence of the therapeutic value that animals have in making us happier, healthier, and more sociable.

Linda Kohanov is beloved for her groundbreaking articulation of “the way of the horse,” an experiential wisdom known to riders for centuries but little studied or adapted to off-horse use. Now Kohanov takes those horse-inspired insights on the nonverbal elements of exceptional communication and leadership into the realms of our workplaces and relationships. Here we explore the benefits of “nonpredatory power” in developing assertiveness, fostering creativity, dealing with conflict, and heightening mind-body awareness. In “A Brief History of Power,” the first part of this far-reaching book, Kohanov profiles cultural innovators who employed extraordinary nonverbal leadership skills to change history, usually on horseback: Winston Churchill, George Washington, Alexander the Great, and Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), among others. She also draws on the behavior of mature horse herds, as well as the herding cultures of Africa and Mongolia, to debunk theories of dominance hierarchies, challenge ingrained notions of “survival of the fittest,” and demonstrate the power of a consensual leadership in which governing roles are fluid. Kohanov then adapts these lessons into twelve powerful guiding principles we can all incorporate into our work and personal lives. Eloquent and provocative, this is horse sense for everyone who seeks to thrive in the herds we all run in — our communities, careers, families, and friendships.

The integration of animals into the therapy setting by psychotherapists has been a growing trend. Psychological problems treated include emotional and behavioral problems, attachment issues, trauma, and developmental disorders. An influential 1970s survey suggests that over 20 percent of therapists in the psychotherapy division of the American Psychological Association incorporated animals into their treatment in some fashion. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the number is much higher today. Since Yeshiva University psychologist Boris Levinson popularized the involvement of animals in psychotherapy in the 1960s, Israel has come to be perhaps the most advanced country in the world in the area of animal-assisted psychotherapy (AAP). This is true especially in the areas of academic training programs, theory-building, and clinical practice. Great effort has been put into understanding the mechanisms behind AAP, as well as into developing ethical guidelines that take into account the therapist's responsibility toward both client and animal. This book exposes the world to the theory and practice of AAP as conceived and used in Israel. It emphasizes evidence-based and clinically sound applications with psychotherapeutic goals, as differentiated from other animal-assisted interventions, such as AAE (animal-assisted education) and AAA (animal-assisted activities), which may have education or skills-oriented goals. Not just anyone with a dog can call him-or herself an animal-assisted therapist. This volume demonstrates not only the promise of animal-assisted psychotherapeutic approaches, but also some of the challenges the field still needs to overcome to gain widespread legitimacy.

All Because of Henry is the heart-rending story of Nuala Gardner and her remarkable struggle to bring up two autistic children - with the help of Sir Henry, Wee Henry and Thomas, the family's incredible four-legged friends. In the bestselling A Friend Like Henry, Nuala told how their beautiful golden retriever helped provide a miraculous breakthrough into her son Dale's severely autistic world. Now, in the much-anticipated sequel, Dale turns 17 and he's ready for the world - but is the world ready for him? And can their new dog, Thomas, have the same amazing effect on Nuala's autistic daughter Amy? As she faces up to a new set of challenges, Nuala begins to realise that the struggles of the past are nothing to what's still to come. And she must also face up to the ordeal of her crumbling marriage and find the strength to carry on against a backdrop of adversity, prejudice, family secrets and some very unexpected twists. All Because of Henry is the extraordinary true story of one woman's family, of overcoming obstacles, and of the wonderful dogs that helped them through it all. And it's a story that did not end with Sir Henry - it began - and it continues here, in warmth, heartbreak, hard times and, ultimately, triumph.

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.

Das Buch zielt auf den Einsatz der Tiergestützten Therapie in der stationären Behandlung psychisch kranker erwachsener Menschen ab. Es besteht aus zwei Teilen: Der erste allgemeine Teil gibt ausgehend von einem geschichtlichen Überblick eine klare Bestimmung und Abgrenzung der verschiedenen Subtypen der Tiergestützten Interventionen. Es werden die Standards und die Qualitätssicherung für Anbieter im deutschsprachigen Raum dargestellt. Verschiedene allgemeine theoretische Ansätze zur Erklärung der Wirksamkeit der Tiergestützten Intervention werden diskutiert. Modelle der Interaktion von Mensch und Tier werden dargestellt. Dabei geht ein Kapitel spezieller auf die Anwendung in einer stationären Einrichtung ein, darin wird dargestellt, was für den Einsatz von Tieren in Kliniken zu beachten ist, z.B. Hygiene und Unfallgefahr sowie rechtliche Aspekte. Außerdem gibt die Autorin einen Überblick über die Konzepte für Tiergestützte Interventionen mit verschiedenen Tierarten wie Hunden, Pferden, Lamas und Alpakas, Kleintieren und Insekten. Im zweiten Teil wird ein konkretes Konzept für die Einführung Tiergestützter Interventionen in eine psychiatrische Klinik beschrieben. Hierzu werden zunächst allgemein die personalen, finanziellen und rechtlichen Voraussetzungen dargestellt. Es wird beschrieben, welche Voraussetzungen für die Tiere geschaffen werden müssen. Diese allgemeinen konzeptuellen Überlegungen werden dann am Beispiel des Bezirksklinikums Mainkofen in Niederbayern konkretisiert. Es wird dargestellt, welche kurz-, mittelfristig- und langfristig geplanten Interventionen umsetzbar sind. Der praktische Nutzen dieses Buches zeigt sich darin, dass ein Teil der Konzepte bereits umgesetzt ist. Es soll auch andere Kliniken und deren Mitarbeiter anregen, eigene Konzepte zu entwickeln, und ihnen Mut machen, diese in der Praxis umzusetzen.

This book provides an overview of Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) and Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and demonstrates how they can be incorporated into solution-focused treatment programs. Pichot, focusing on the use of therapy dogs, starts with a discussion of the basics of AAA/T and solution-focused therapy, as well as what every practitioner should know about dogs before partnering with them. Successfully combining all of this into an effective treatment program is considered next. Pichot draws upon her own experience developing an AAA/T program in the substance abuse counseling program at a county public health agency to illustrate the effective implementation of such a program and the struggles and lessons learned in doing so. Using AAA/T with special populations, cultural considerations, and the impact a therapy dog can have on the handler. New in this edition are client scenarios that demonstrate the therapist's thought process when making clinical decisions about when and how to use a therapy dog. Sample forms and treatment plans are also provided that professionals can use to modify or structure in their work with clients. The concepts and information provided in this valuable guide will be helpful for any therapist regardless of whether he or she is in private practice or working in an agency setting.

Die Autorin dieses Buches beschäftigt sich mit der übergeordneten Frage ob es sich bei der tiergestützten Pädagogik um eine Modeerscheinung oder um eine pädagogische Methode von bislang unschätzbarem Wert handelt. Um diese Frage zu beantworten und möglichst präzise Aussagen über die Bedeutung und Möglichkeiten des Einflusses von Tieren treffen zu können, richtet sich der Fokus der Studie auf das Klientel der stationären Jugendhilfe und der sich hieraus ergebenden Relevanz tiergestützter Interventionen. In einem weiteren Eingrenzungsprozess findet eine Fokussierung auf Jugendliche statt, welche von der gesellschaftlichen Norm abweichende Bindungsmuster zeigen und damit verbunden den etwaigen Einflussmöglichkeiten, die sich im pädagogisch angeleiteten Umgang mit Pferden bieten. Aufgrund der Komplexität der Thematik bezieht sich die Autorin in diesem Zusammenhang ausschließlich auf die bindungstheoretische Tradition und deren Weiterentwicklung nach John Bowlby. Dabei bezieht sie kritisch Stellung zu den Begriffen der Verhaltens- beziehungsweise der Bindungsstörung und der damit verbundenen Stigmatisierung junger Menschen durch unsere Gesellschaft. Die vorliegende Studie gliedert sich in zwei Teile: Der erste Teil widmet sich den rechtlichen und pädagogischen Grundlagen stationärer Jugendhilfe und den daraus resultierenden Anforderungen an die Pädagogik. Gegenstand der Betrachtung des zweiten Teiles ist die Tiergestützte Pädagogik als Kernstück des Buches. Hierbei finden unter anderem Überlegungen hinsichtlich der Begriffsklärung Tiergestützter Pädagogik, den grundlegenden Aspekten der Mensch-Tier-Beziehung sowie der spezifischen Charakteristika der Mensch-Tier Interaktion statt. Darüber hinaus werden die Erfahrungsmöglichkeiten Jugendlicher die sich im Umgang mit Pferden bieten, dezidiert und mit Bezug auf den sozio-emotionalen Bereich dargestellt. Weiterhin werden mögliche Einwände und kritische Aspekte tiergestützter Pädagogik, in Bezug auf das Klientel der Jugendhilfe sowie auf die Instrumentalisierung der Tiere selbst näher beleuchtet. Schließlich werden ergänzende Überlegungen der gesammelten Erkenntnisse und Zusammenhänge in der Schlussbetrachtung behandelt.

Welches therapeutische Potenzial steckt in ausgebildeten Therapiebegleithunden? Im Buch wird der «Werdegang» vom Wolf bis zum Therapiebegleithund skizziert, wobei der Schwerpunkt der Betrachtung auf der historisch gewachsenen Mensch-Hund-Beziehung liegt. Beschrieben wird die Ausbildung von Therapiebegleithunden und ihrer Hundeführer, gefolgt von einer Betrachtung der ethischen Vertretbarkeit. Eine Auswahl vorhandener Forschungsergebnisse wird vorgestellt, die sich auf Hunde im therapeutischen Kontext bezieht, sowie allgemeine wissenschaftliche Erklärungsmodelle zur Mensch-Tier-Beziehung, zu Wirkmechanismen in der tiergestützten Therapie und zur Mensch-Hund-Kommunikation. Gespräche mit Praktikern (Experten), die ihre ausgebildeten Hunde beruflich einsetzen, runden das Bild ab. Die methodische Basis bildet «das persönliche Gespräch als Weg in der psychologischen Forschung» nach Langer (2000) sowie ergänzend als weitere qualitative Forschungsmethode das Experteninterview. Als Gesamtergebnis zeigt sich, dass Therapiebegleithunde kein Heilmittel an sich darstellen, aber als Katalysator in der therapeutischen Beziehung wirken. Sie können Klienten bei der persönlichen Selbsterkenntnis helfen und deren Heilungsprozesse begleitend unterstützen.

This comprehensive overview of the many types of animal-assisted therapy provides the perfect reference for students, general readers, pet owners, animal care specialists, psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, and mental health professionals.The use of animals for therapy is a burgeoning form of treatment for individuals with physical, emotional, or psychological illnesses. Written for students and general readers, Animal-Assisted Therapy offers a historical overview of the practice, detailing its growth and the many ways it is practiced today. Filled with illustrative examples, such as successful programs where children with reading problems read aloud to canine companions, the book illuminates the expansive nature and effectiveness of this therapy as it is practiced both generally and among special populations, including children, the elderly, autistic individuals, and the incarcerated. The book also provides specific information that will be of interest to pet owners who want to get involved in these programs and includes information on U.S. government requirements allowing guide dogs in public and private facilities.

From infancy through old age, many people's lives are enriched by the love of a pet. In addition, both volunteer and trained service animals are an increasingly common sight as they participate in hospital, school, and nursing home visitation and therapeutic programs. Yet, there has been little scientific research on the role that pets and therapeutic animals play in our health and development. While animal-assisted therapies appear promising, they often lack solid evidence of effectiveness. More research is therefore needed to understand the effects of human-animal interaction (HAI) and to optimize the value of this interaction. The findings in this volume deepen our understanding of human and animal behavior, including the impact that pets can have on children's development and the efficacy of animal-assisted therapies. This volume first addresses HAI research methodology, including recommended research designs, terminology, and topics for further exploration. It then summarizes the progress of HAI research in child development and human health, including how young children think about animals, links between children's early abuse of animals and later conduct disorders, the association between pet ownership and better health, and whether such health improvements result in health cost savings. The volume ends with a detailed agenda for future research. With its interdisciplinary approach, this book will appeal to a wide range of researchers and practitioners interested in what happens when people meet and engage with animals.

The transformation and insights of an acclaimed flamenco dancer turned world-renowned animal communicator and healer • Presents powerful case histories of animals with whom she communicated and treated • Offers instruction on how to establish communication with animals When Laila del Monte was a child growing up on the Balearic island of Formentera, she experienced a special bond with the animals that were a part of her life. Later, as she became entirely focused on her career as a flamenco dancer, she resisted those who told her that her true vocation was as a healer. But when her own health challenges jeopardized her dancing career, the healing energies she received from both her human and animal teachers raised her consciousness about the important insights animals have to offer on the state of our physical and emotional well-being. In this book Laila del Monte reveals how the unconditionally loving nature of animals very often leads them to take on the physical pains and negative emotional experiences of the human beings in their lives. The animals absorb negative emotions such as guilt, anger, jealousy, and other issues that stop people from moving forward and reflect these back in their animal behavior. Through her work with countless animals suffering from behavioral disorders or who have been sick or injured, del Monte learned that the physical healing of the animals is directly tied to the emotional healing of the people they are close to. The stories and situations she shares in this book demonstrate that learning what animals have to teach us about our lives does not require any magical formula or laborious training--it is part of our natural birthright. We need only to revive our own deep intuition to restore this connection. The authenticity and loving nature of del Monte's approach is not only testimony to her dedication and amazing abilities but also shows us the way we can follow the same path simply and honestly.

The human health benefits derived from relationships with companion animals has attracted an abundance of scientific interest and research. However, there is a need for theoretical conceptualizations in order to understand the healing benefits of human-animal interactions. The goal of this book is to seek these answers and the “how” and “why” companion animals play a role in counseling and psychology. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with three psychologists who use animals in their therapy settings. The focus of these interviews was to determine the experiences of having a companion animal present during therapy sessions. The results revealed that pets in therapy: (1) enhanced the therapeutic alliance/relationship, (2) revived the therapeutic environment, (3) improved professional practice, and (4) created a sense of sacredness. The therapy animals seemed to provide the trust and safety needed for clients to work within the transitional space and that the animals may act as transitional objects for some clients. This book suggests that therapy animals are extremely helpful in providing a sense of safety for traumatized clients and could act as catalysts, especially with defensive and/or detached clients. Unique features include: discussion of the domestication of companion animals; research into the human-animal bond; social and psychological support theory; descriptions of methods used; object relations theory and Winnicott's Concepts; implications for the practice of counseling and psychology; professional and ethical considerations; and suggestions for future research. Replete with informative appendices that will serve as valuable knowledge, this book is a significant resource on the subject of animal-assisted therapy for mental health professionals such as counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists, and skilled therapists

When Jason moves in with Bev, it's supposed to be temporary. But then Daisy the Chihuahua comes to stay. Just two-and-a-half pounds when they adopt her, Daisy is a charmer. And soon, an eater. Hot on her heels comes Elvis the pug, and then, of course, their puppies! Instead of losing her baby weight, after giving birth to four puppies, Daisy gets even chubbier and soon outgrows even her fattest fat sweaters. Bev and Jason decide it's time for everyone, including the two of them, to pull together, lead a healthier life-style -- and in the process become a family (albeit an unconventional one).Please Don't Feed the Daisy is the wickedly funny, remarkably useful story of their journey toward becoming that family, and a fit one to boot. Packed with yummy, fun, diet- and earth-friendly recipes for both dogs and people, as well as training tips and the Happily Ever After Maintenance Plan, this is a heartwarming and healthy tale for dog- (and food-) lovers everywhere.

'This touching story is an emotional rollercoaster.'—Book ReviewThe New York Times bestselling story of a boy, his dog, and the love that changed their lives forever.When Jamie and Nuala Gardner chose a puppy for their son, Dale, they weren't an ordinary family choosing an ordinary pet. Dale was on the autism spectrum and his parents were desperate to support him—after being shuttled between ineffective, even callous healthcare professionals, they would try anything to support their son. As a nonverbal child Dale fought to be understood, and his parents would do anything to help their son process the world around him and break out of his own mind.But after years of constant effort and slow progress, the Gardners'lives were transformed when they welcomed a new member into the family, Henry, a gorgeous golden retriever puppy. The old adage is true: good things do come in small packages. One small puppy and the bond he formed with Dale would change the whole family's lives…An inspirational feel-good book about family, mental health, and empathy, A Friend Like Henry is perfect for readers of Marley and Me, Until Tuesday, and The Reason I Jump.Praise for A Friend Like Henry:'Emotionally charged, this is a story that raises powerful issues in a deeply personal and insightful manner.'—Irish Examiner'The incredible story of a family with an autistic son, Dale, who conquers his disability thanks to the special bond he forms with Henry, a golden retriever puppy... This is a fascinating and inspiring real-life account.'—Woman & Home

Animal Assisted Activities/Therapy (AAA/T) is an innovative intervention in which an animal becomes a crucial—and highly effective—part of the treatment process. Pet-Assisted Brief Therapy: A Solution-Focused Approach gives therapists the tools they need to begin and maintain an effective treatment program that meaningfully merges dogs and other therapy animals with Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). This unique book clearly explains how AAA/T integrated with SFT in one substance abuse counseling program. It provides a revealing description of the program's challenges and successes, and discusses the possibilities for AAA/T implementation in other agencies. The authors review in detail the multitude of scenarios where animals can add a valuable dimension for treatment with clients on specific issues.

In den letzten Jahren hat man erkannt, wie wichtig Tiere gerade für demenzkranke Menschen sind. Was Menschen nicht gelingt, schaffen Tiere in Sekundenschnelle: Sie bringen Menschen zum Lachen, geben neuen Lebensmut, regen längst verloren geglaubte Fähigkeiten an. In diesem Buch tragen die Autoren zum ersten Mal wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse über den Einsatz von Tieren in Altenpflege-Einrichtungen zusammen. Sie beschreiben die Wirkung auf Demenzkranke und die Chancen für die Pflege. Der Kontakt mit Tieren wirkt sich positiv auf die Gesundheit und die Lebensqualität aus. In der Dementenbetreuung hat er sich als ein sinnvolles und leicht umzusetzendes Element erwiesen. Für die Pflegekräfte entsteht so ein entlastendes Milieu, in dem sie leichteren Zugang zu den Bewohnern finden, Gedächtnis- und Orientierungsleistungen von demenzkranken Menschen verbessern sich deutlich, wenn Tiere als'Pflegepartner'eingesetzt werden.

Imagining Animals explores the making of animal images in art therapy and child psychotherapy. It examines two contrasting primitive states of mind: the investing of the world about us with life through animism and participation mystique, and the lifeless world of autistic states of mind encountered in children who are hard to reach.Caroline Case examines how the emergence of animal imagery in therapy can act as a powerful catalyst for children in autistic states of mind, or with a background of trauma, abuse or depression. She also looks at animal / human relationships, and animal symbolism, as well as three-dimensional claywork and the development of personality. Subjects covered include:• animals on stage in therapy - anthropomorphic animal objects • the location of self in animals • entangled and confusional children: analytical approaches to psychotic thinking and autistic features in childhood.The book concludes with a compelling extended case study, which describes analytic work with a child with multiple symptoms, using the various therapeutic tools of play and art, painting and clay, and the development of character, plot and narrative.Imagining Animals offers a unique insight into the role and representation of animal imagery in art therapy and child psychotherapy, which will be of interest to all arts and play therapists working with children as well as adult psychotherapists interested in the use of imagery.

Delineates Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) counseling techniques. Supported by case examples, this book explains how to select, train, and evaluate an animal for therapy work. It examines ethical considerations and risk management, provides a history of AAT, and discusses the empirical research in the field.