Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice ANNOTATION
Audience: Therapists in family practice, independent practice, hospital settings, etc.; veterinarians; specialty animal training centers; and educated laypersons.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy provides a comprehensive overview of the many ways in which animals can be used to assist therapists. Coverage includes how animals can assist specific patient populations (children, the disabled, AIDS patients, etc.), how animals can aid in specific settings (hospitals, prisons, independent practice, etc.), and how professionals can best select appropriate animals (species, breed, and individual temperament) and design an AAT program.
Humans have long had a special bond with animals, initially as work animals, then as pets, and now more frequently as therapeutic companions. Animals help the sick recover more quickly and help the aged live longer and more satisfying lives. Specially trained animals are now helping stroke victims, the handicapped, and others to regain or build lost faculties. Increasingly, animals assist in nonphysical/medical therapies, helping the stressed and angry relax and the shy be more forthcoming.
Contributors represent the top people in the field from hospital settings, vet hospitals, animal training centers, and therapists in practice.
FROM THE CRITICS
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.
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.
Anthrozoos
...a valuable contribution to the field... I would recommend this book as a reference resource for both academics and practitioners...
Doody Review Services
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)
RATING
5 Stars! from Doody
ACCREDITATION
Fine, Aubrey H. (California State Polytechnic Univ)
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