Overview
In the 10 years since the first edition of Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy, the field has changed considerably. The third edition of the Handbook highlights advances in the field, with 10 new chapters and 50% new material. In reading this book, therapists will discover the benefits of incorporating animal-assisted therapy into their practice, how to design and implement animal-assisted interventions, and the efficacy of animal-assisted therapy with different disorders and patient populations. Coverage includes the use of AAT with children, families, and the elderly, in counseling and psychotherapy settings, and for treating a variety of specific disorders.
Special features:
Summarizes efficacy research on AAT
Identifies how to design and implement animal-assisted interventions
Provides methods, standards, and guidelines for AAT
Discusses AAT for children, families, the elderly, and special populations
Audience: Therapists in family practice, independent practice, hospital settings, etc.; veterinarians; specialty animal training centers; and educated laypersons.
Synopsis
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...
Editorials
Kent Davis
This is a very in-depth and informational text on animal-assisted therapy (AAT). It is full of good historical and up-to-date information to guide the practitioner wanting to begin AAT. The purpose is to instruct the reader on how to use animals as part of their therapeutic team. I feel that this book is definitely needed in any AAT program, and I found it very informative as well as instructional. The intended audience is the general practitioner or resident specializing in behavior. The editor appears to be very knowledgeable. This book is a complete, thorough, and in-depth overview of the ways that animals can assist human therapists. Specific use in hospitals, prisons, and independent practices is covered. Information on how to design an AAT program as well as the value that an AAT program can have in human therapy is included. Selection of appropriate animals for specific environments is suggested. The information and history of the human-animal bond gives the reader a sense of how useful AAT can be in a practice or institution. The editor and contributors provide needed information in the AAT field, which is still in its infancy. They give concise, detailed information on all areas of AAT including how to start a program or improve a current program. Anyone interested in the human-animal bond, particularly on how it relates to helping in a therapeutic setting, must read this book.Anthrozoos
...a valuable contribution to the field... I would recommend this book as a reference resource for both academics and practitioners...Journal Of The American Veterinary Medical Association
...This book would make an ideal text for courses in this topic and should be in the personal library of those interested in the human-animal bond and animal-assisted therapy.From The Critics
Reviewer: Kent Davis, DVM, B.S. (University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital)Description: This is a very in-depth and informational text on animal-assisted therapy (AAT). It is full of good historical and up-to-date information to guide the practitioner wanting to begin AAT.
Purpose: The purpose is to instruct the reader on how to use animals as part of their therapeutic team. I feel that this book is definitely needed in any AAT program, and I found it very informative as well as instructional.
Audience: The intended audience is the general practitioner or resident specializing in behavior. The editor appears to be very knowledgeable.
Features: This book is a complete, thorough, and in-depth overview of the ways that animals can assist human therapists. Specific use in hospitals, prisons, and independent practices is covered. Information on how to design an AAT program as well as the value that an AAT program can have in human therapy is included. Selection of appropriate animals for specific environments is suggested. The information and history of the human-animal bond gives the reader a sense of how useful AAT can be in a practice or institution.
Assessment: The editor and contributors provide needed information in the AAT field, which is still in its infancy. They give concise, detailed information on all areas of AAT including how to start a program or improve a current program. Anyone interested in the human-animal bond, particularly on how it relates to helping in a therapeutic setting, must read this book.
Booknews
Fine, of the school of education and integrative studies at Cal State Polytechnic U., has chosen contributions from veterinarians, animal trainers, psychologists, social workers, and others that build to an overview of the ways animals can help improve the lives of elderly, sick, and disabled people. The work includes guidelines and best practices for using dogs, cats, and other animals as therapeutic companions with specific populations (e.g., children, the disabled, AIDS patients) and in various settings (hospitals, prisons, independent practice). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)5 Stars! from Doody