Product Description

The original edition was the first book to provide a comprehensive overview of the ways in which animals can assist therapists with treatment of specific populations, and/or in specific settings. The second edition continues in this vein, with 7 new chapters plus substantial revisions of continuing chapters as the research in this field has grown. New coverage includes: Animals as social supports, Use of AAT with Special Needs students, the role of animals in the family- insights for clinicians, and measuring the animal-person bond.

*Contributions from veterinarians, animal trainers, psychologists, and social workers
*Includes guidelines and best practices for using animals as therapeutic companions
*Addresses specific types of patients and environmental situations

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #119700 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 552 pages

Review
"...This book... should be in the personal library of those interested in the human-animal bond and animal-assisted therapy." -- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

"...a valuable contribution to the field... I would recommend this book as a reference resource for both academics and practitioners..." -- ANTHROZOÖS

"5 Stars from Doody!"
--DOODY'S
"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... I feel that this book is definitely needed in any AAT program, and I found it very informative as well as instructional... 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."
--KENT DAVIS, DVM (University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital)
"It is a well-written and interesting book and makes a considerable and important contribution to the field of animal-assisted therapy. 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."
--JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, June 15, 2001
"Aubrey Fine has collated a broad ranging series of contributions which provide a much-needed resource for practitioners, researchers and students. This book is a positive step in formalizing the concepts and practicalities surrounding the use of animals in therapeutic settings... it is a valuable contribution to the field."
--ANTHROZOOS -- Review

Review
"5 Stars from Doody!"
--DOODY'S
"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... I feel that this book is definitely needed in any AAT program, and I found it very informative as well as instructional... 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."
--KENT DAVIS, DVM (University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital)

"It is a well-written and interesting book and makes a considerable and important contribution to the field of animal-assisted therapy. 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."
--JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, June 15, 2001

"Aubrey Fine has collated a broad ranging series of contributions which provide a much-needed resource for practitioners, researchers and students. This book is a positive step in formalizing the concepts and practicalities surrounding the use of animals in therapeutic settings... it is a valuable contribution to the field."
--ANTHROZOOS

From the Back Cover
The use of animal assisted therapy, also referred to as animal assisted interventions, has grown tremendously since the first edition of this work. Used with a far greater variety of patient populations and to treat more types of psychological problems, 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, updates original chapters with new research information and it's application to practice, and includes three new chapters on the implementation of animal assisted therapies with children.

The book is divided into four sections. Section 1 introduces background information on the animal-human bond, the historical value of this bond, definitions of animal assisted interventions (AAI), the evolution of such interventions toward the improvement of human function and quality of life. Section 2 provides an overview of the design and implementation of AAI services. Coverage includes how to select animal species to match to patient populations and the factors that influence performance of specific animal species. Section 3 documents the therapeutic efficacy of AAI with specific populations including children, persons with chronic disorders and AIDS, the elderly, and in specialized settings. Additional chapters address how animals can be incorporated into standard psychotherapy techniques. Section 4 covers special issues including assessment tools regarding the efficacy of AAI programs, coordination with veterinarians, and the ethical treatment of therapy animals.

Customer Reviews

Credible, clinical but enjoyable-A Keeper
This tome features a number of various case study articles on different subjects pertaing to not only animal-assisted therapy, but also to service animals (there is a significant difference). One area (service animals)is for disabled individuals who have an animal-usually a dog-to assist them. The other area is for those interested in Biophilia, how clients benefit from exposure to animals from a therapeutic stance, where handlers bring their animals into long-term facilities, and the like.
I enjoyed this book so much I loaned my copy to a psychiatrist at a neighboring mental health clinc that I know who was conducting a group. She wanted to talk to them about the benefits of service animals for those with mental and emotional disorders, but didn't have the background on the subject. This book was indispensible for her. I plan to add more volumes like it to my library.

A Must Have Book
The Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy edited by Aubrey Fine is a must have book for anyone really serious about Animal-Assisted Therapy and its incorportaion into your profession. It is well written with articles by the "who's who" professionals currently in the field of AAT. I have been waiting a long time for this book and I'm glad it's finally here! It's worth every penny you pay for it.

Worth the Money
This book contains bonafide information to help AAT professionals in everything from forming a practice, zoonotic disease charts, guidelines for AAT in a variety of settings (hospitals, schools etc.), and with a variety of clients to Nature therapy and animal abuse issues.

Additionally, it offers information on assessment tools that can be applied to research in this area. It explains different statistical methods and how to use them.

This book is a 'must have' reference. It is encouraging to see good literature emerging in this field. As a practitioner in this area, I am encouraged by works like this.