Human-Animal Bond in Clinical Social Work Practice

The human-animal bond is a dynamic, mutually beneficial relationship between people and animals that offers mental and physical health benefits. This book provides clinicians with a history of the bond and the rationale for incorporating animals into therapy, including crisis intervention services, policy issues, grief counseling, and compassion fatigue. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a valid treatment modality that can be used with clients of all demographics and mental illnesses, but it has not yet been manualized. This book provides guidelines for developing AAT treatment plans and integrating AAT with existing therapeutic models.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 91 pages
\n Publication date: 13 November 2021
\n Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG
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The human-animal bond is a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship between people and the animals they care for. Caring for animals has been shown to have numerous mental and physical health benefits for individuals, and animals in therapy have been effective in aiding a wide range of people and illnesses. While the benefits of animal companionship have long been suspected, there is limited research and understanding of how this bond works and why it is effective. This book aims to provide clinicians with a comprehensive history of the human-animal bond and the rationale for incorporating animals into therapy today.

The author discusses various ways in which clinicians can directly help individuals care for their pets, including crisis intervention services, policy issues, grief counseling for pet loss, and compassion fatigue in the veterinary profession. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is also explored as a distinct and unique modality. AAT is characterized by the symbiotic relationship between humans and animals and its flexible nature, making it suitable for clients of all demographics and with most mental illnesses.

Research shows that most mental health practitioners believe that AAT is a valid treatment modality, but there is a need for manualization and guidance for clinicians in incorporating AAT into their practice. The Human-Animal Bond in Clinical Social Work Practice provides valuable guidelines for developing AAT treatment plans and integrating AAT with existing therapeutic models. The book answers questions that social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health counselors may have about the benefits of the human-animal bond and ways to tap into this special relationship.

In conclusion, the human-animal bond is a powerful and underutilized resource in clinical social work practice. By incorporating animals into therapy, clinicians can provide holistic and effective treatment for their clients. This book offers valuable insights and guidelines for developing AAT treatment plans and integrating AAT with existing therapeutic models, helping to bridge the gap between human and animal well-being.

\n Weight: 188g\n
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 12 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783030877828\n
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021\n