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Handbook on Animal Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice- Second Edition

ISBN-13: 978-0-12-369484-3

The use of animal assisted therapy, also referred to as animal-assisted intervention, has grown tremendously since the first edition of this book. Used with a far greater variety of patient populations, 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. The book is divided into four major sections.

Section 1 concerns the conceptualization of the human animal bond and consists of chapters addressing numerous topics including a historical exploration of the value of human-animal relationships as well as an overview of what actually is included under the auspices of AAI.

Section II focuses on the conceptual models of AAT and contains two descriptive chapters providing an overview of designing and implementing AAI services. This information is invaluable in understanding how to develop institutionally based treatment programs.

Section III documents the therapeutic efficacy of the human animal relationship with specific populations. Chapters discuss using animals with children, persons with chronic disorders and AIDS, AAI in specialized settings as well as the elderly. There are also a few chapters that have been incorporated that discuss how animals can be naturally included as a therapeutic option in psychotherapy and techniques on how too use animals in working with and understanding families. Readers will also find a chapter on animal abuse and appropriate treatment regimes, as well as research on the relationship between animal abuse and interpersonal violence.

Finally, Section IV of the book consists of six chapters that are more general in nature including chapters on assessment tools, the ethical treatment of therapy animals, the need for more evidence based outcomes, new strategies in humane education and the importance of developing a healthy relationship with family practice veterinarians.

For information on purchasing this book, please go to the Elsevier website and follow ordering instructions, Found Here