Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice » (3rd Edition)

Fine, Aubrey H. (California State Polytechnic Univ)

The use of animal assisted therapy, also referred to as animal assisted interventions, has grown tremendously since the first edition of this work. Used with a far greater variety of patient populations and to treat more types of psychological problems, the research and practice literature in the field has expanded. This second edition of Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy highlights the evidence basis of these therapies, updates original chapters with new research information and it’s application to practice, and includes three new chapters on the implementation of animal assisted therapies with children.

The book is divided into four sections. Section 1 introduces background information on the animal-human bond, the historical value of this bond, definitions of animal assisted interventions (AAI), the evolution of such interventions toward the improvement of human function and quality of life. Section 2 provides an overview of the design and implementation of AAI services. Coverage includes how to select animal species to match to patient populations and the factors that influence performance of specific animal species. Section 3 documents the therapeutic efficacy of AAI with specific populations including children, persons with chronic disorders and AIDS, the elderly, and in specialized settings. Additional chapters address how animals can be incorporated into standard psychotherapy techniques. Section 4 covers special issues including assessment tools regarding the efficacy of AAI programs, coordination with veterinarians, and the ethical treatment of therapy animals.

Anthrozoos

...a valuable contribution to the field... I would recommend this book as a reference resource for both academics and practitioners...

Contributors.
Foreward.
Preface.
Section I - The Conceptualization of the Animal-Human Bond: The Foundation for Understanding Animal-Assisted Therapy.
J.A. Serpell, Animal Companions and Human Well-Being: An Historical Exploration of the Value of Human-Animal Relationships.
A.M. Beck, The Use of Animals to Benefit Humans: Animal-Assisted Therapy.
E. Friedmann, The Animal-Human Bond: Health and Wellness.
L.A. Hart, Psychosocial Benefits of Animal Companionship.
Section II - Animal-Assisted Therapy: Conceptual Model and Guidelines for Quality Assurance.
Methods, Standards, Guidelines, and Considerations in Selecting Animals for Animal-Assisted Therapy.
L.A. Hart, Part A: Understanding Animal Behavior, Species, and Temperament as Applied to Interactions with Specific Populations.
M. Fredrickson and A.R. Howie, Part B: Guidelines and Standards for Animal Selection in Animal-Assisted Activity and Therapy Programs.
G.P. Mallon, S.B. Ross, Jr., and L. Ross, Designing and Implementing Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs in Health and Mental Health Organizations.
M.R. Burch, Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance in Animal-Assisted Therapy.
Section III - Best Practices in Animal-Assisted Therapy: Guidelines for Use of AAT with Special Populations.
A. Honori Katcher and G.G. Wilkins, The Centaur's Lessons: Therapeutic Education through Care of Animals and Nature Study.
A.H. Fine, Animals and Therapists: Incorporating Animals in Outpatient Psychotherapy.
B.P. Granger and L. Kogan, Animal-Assisted Therapy in Specialized Settings.
M.M. Baun and B.W. McCabe, The Role Animals Play in Enhancing Quality of Life for the Elderly.
K. Gorczyca, A.H. Fine, and C. Victor Spain, History, Theory, and Development of Human-Animal Support Services for People with AIDS and Other Chronic/Terminal Illnesses.
S.L. Duncan and K. Allen, Service Animals and Their Roles in Enhancing Independence, Quality of Life, and Employment for People with Disabilities.
F.R. Ascione, M.E. Kaufmann, and S.M. Brooks, Animal Abuse and Developmental Psychopathology: Recent Research, Programmatic, and Therapeutic Issues and Challenges for the Future.
Section IV - Special Topics and Concerns in Animal-Assisted Therapy.
S. Lookabaugh Triebenbacher, The Companion Animal within the Family System: The Manner in Which Animals Enhance Life within the Home.
G.F. Melson, Companion Animals and the Development of Children: Implications of the Biophilia Hypothesis. L. Nebbe, Nature Therapy.
J. Serpell, R. Coppinger, and A.H. Fine, The Welfare of Assistance and Therapy Animals: An Ethical Comment.
P. Arkow, Synergy and Symbiosis in Animal-Assisted Therapy: Interdisciplinary Collaborations. The Future of Education and Research on the Animal-Human Bond and Animal-Assisted Therapy.
D.C. Turner, Part A: The Role of Ethology in the Field of Human-Animal Relations and Animal-Assisted Therapy.
A. Honori Katcher, Part B: Animal-Assisted Therapy and the Study of Human-Animal Relationships: Discipline or Bondage? Context or Transitional Object?
Index.