ERIC Number: EJ844374
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1540-1383
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Is Counseling Going to the Dogs? An Exploratory Study Related to the Inclusion of an Animal in Group Counseling with Adolescents
Lange, Amber M.; Cox, Jane A.; Bernert, Donna J.; Jenkins, Christie D.
Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, v2 n2 p17-31 2006-2007
Research has demonstrated that the use of animals in counseling provides beneficial effects to clients. This article presents literature on Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), and details an exploratory study that applied AAT in an adolescent anger management group. Consistent with other research, beneficial effects noted in this study included a calming effect on the adolescents, humor relief during sessions, increased feelings of safety in the group, experiencing empathy, and motivation to attend sessions. Implications of the research and practical applications are provided, including considerations for using AAT in the counseling process.
Descriptors: Counseling Techniques, Animals, Adolescents, Group Counseling, Empathy, Creativity, Therapy, Psychological Patterns, Humor, Safety, Motivation, Outcomes of Treatment
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Counselors
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A