This book delineates Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) counseling techniques. Supported by case examples, the book explains how to select, train and evaluate an animal for therapy work. The book examines ethical considerations and risk management, provides a history of AAT, and discusses the latest empirical research in the field. The author also includes guidelines for establishing a university-based program for AAT training. Sample forms to be used in screening clients and recording session data are included as well as a series of separate illustrations (line drawings of animals) to facilitate some of the recommended AAT techniques. This book is designed for use in training courses for AAT in counseling and related programs (such as social work, psychology, and rehabilitation counseling). To date, there is no book dedicated to teaching techniques specific to AAT. This book will fill that need.
