Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice - Tapa dura

The original edition was the first book to provide a comprehensive overview of the ways in which animals can assist therapists with treatment of specific populations, and/or in specific settings. The second edition continues in this vein, with 7 new chapters plus substantial revisions of continuing chapters as the research in this field has grown. New coverage includes: Animals as social supports, Use of AAT with Special Needs students, the role of animals in the family- insights for clinicians, and measuring the animal-person bond.

*Contributions from veterinarians, animal trainers, psychologists, and social workers
*Includes guidelines and best practices for using animals as therapeutic companions
*Addresses specific types of patients and environmental situations

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.|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.