Animal-Assisted Brief Therapy: A Solution-Focused Approach

Learn to use a powerful tool in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy―a pet

Animal Assisted Activities/Therapy (AAA/T) is an innovative intervention in which an animal becomes a crucial―and highly effective―part of the treatment process. Pet-Assisted Brief Therapy: A Solution-Focused Approach gives therapists the tools they need to begin and maintain an effective treatment program that meaningfully merges dogs and other therapy animals with Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). This unique book clearly explains how AAA/T integrated with SFT in one substance abuse counseling program. It provides a revealing description of the program’s challenges and successes, and discusses the possibilities for AAA/T implementation in other agencies. The authors review in detail the multitude of scenarios where animals can add a valuable dimension for treatment with clients on specific issues.

Animal-Assisted Brief Therapy: A Solution-Focused Approach provides therapists with concrete examples of how to appropriately implement AAA/T to cultivate positive effects in treatment. The book explains how this loving and patient therapy for clients need not be the difficult challenge that it at first appears to be. This resource takes you step by step through the process, showing what practical strategies can be used to offset most obstacles and unknowns. This one-of-a-kind guide clearly explains how to blend and structure the numerous aspects of AAA/T with Solution Focused Therapy to become a more effective treatment program. Appendices provide AAA/T resources, sample policy and procedures, and training resources across the United States.

Animal-Assisted Brief Therapy: A Solution-Focused Approach discusses:

• the history of AAA/T
  
• common values between AAA/T and Solution-Focused Therapy
  
• the principles and goals of SFT
  
• how to understand canine culture
  
• the creation of a successful AAA/T program
  
• phobias, allergies, liabilities, and insurance
  
• therapy dogs’ needs
  
• common interventions
  
• therapy with children
  
• therapy with adolescents
  
• therapy with adults
  
• therapy with substance abusing clients
  
  

Animal-Assisted Brief Therapy: A Solution-Focused Approach provides a comprehensive look at AAA/T and is perfect for therapists struggling to find new and effective ways to work with clients; therapists trying to utilize this approach in their practice; administrators and clinical supervisors wanting to implement AAA/T at their agency; educators; and students.

• Foreword (Yvonne Dolan)
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• What to Expect from This Book
• Chapter 1. The Basics of Animal-Assisted Activities/Therapy (AAA/T)
• A Brief History of AAA/T
• Why Use Animals?
• The Use of Animals in Professional Settings
• Common Values Between AAA/T and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
• Summary
• Chapter 2. The Solution-Focused Basics
• Introduction
• Problem Solving versus Solution Building
• Guiding Philosophy and Principles of SFT
• Interventions
• Benefits to Therapists Using SFT
• Summary
• Chapter 3. What Every Therapist Needs to Know About Dogs Before Partnering with One in AAA/T
• Understanding Canine Culture
• The Roles of Relationship and Respect
• Summary
• Chapter 4. How to Create a Successful AAA/T Program for Your Setting
• Basic Concerns
• Ensuring a Program’s Success
• Summary
• Chapter 5. Using AAA in Solution-Focused Treatment Settings
• Solution-Focused Principles
• Goals and Purpose
• How to Initiate and Structure an AAA Visit
• Summary
• Chapter 6. Using a Therapy Dog in Solution-Focused Treatment Sessions
• Purposefulness in Intervention
• Identifying Clients
• Goals and Purpose
• Other Issues Common to AAT
• Summary
• Chapter 7. Applying AAA/T to Special Populations
• Working with Children
• Working with Adolescents
• Working with Adults
• Working with Substance-Abusing Clients
• Cultural Considerations
• Summary
• Chapter 8. Using Animal-Assisted Activities with Employees and Agencies
• Impact on the Handler
• Impact on Agency Staff
• Impact on Community Relationships
• Summary
• Epilogue
• Appendix A. AAA/T Resources and Information
• Appendix B. Sample Policy and Procedure
• Bibliography
• Index
• Reference Notes Included