The role of companion animals in counseling and psychology : discovering their use in the therapeutic process / by Jane K. Wilkes.

By:

Wilkes, Jane K

Material type: Text

text

Media type:

computer

Carrier type:

online resource

ISBN:

9780398085698
0398085692

Subject(s): Genre/Form:

Additional physical formats: Print version:: Role of companion animals in counseling and psychology.DDC classification:

616.89165

LOC classification:

RC489.P47 W55 2009eb

NLM classification:

WM 460.5.B7

Online resources:

EBSCOhost

Contents:

Chapter 1. PICKING UP THE SCENT -- Chapter 2. FOLLOWING THE TRAIL -- Chapter 3. UNEARTHING THE TREASURE -- Chapter 4. ANALYZING THE FIND -- Chapter 5. GNAWING ON THE RAWHIDE -- Chapter 6. SAVORING AND SHARING THE TREASURED FIND -- APPENDICES -- BIBLIOGRAPHY -- INDEX.

Summary: "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"--EBL book details.

Holdings ( 1 )
Title notes ( 5 )

Holdings
Item type	Current library	Collection	Call number	Status	Date due	Barcode	Item holds
eBook	e-Library	EBSCO Medical		Available

Total holds: 0

Includes bibliographical references (pages 139-152) and index.

"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"--EBL book details.

Print version record.

WorldCat record variable field(s) change: 650