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St. Catherine University

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

2013

Animal-assisted therapy

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The Effect Of Animal-Assisted Therapy On Children With Disabilities, Alison E. Ries May 2013

The Effect Of Animal-Assisted Therapy On Children With Disabilities, Alison E. Ries

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This research project is a qualitative study that explores the effect of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) on children with disabilities from the perspective of Animal-Assisted Therapists. One of the goals of this research project was to provide support for this holistic inclusion of AAT in therapeutic practice with children. Six in-depth interviews were conducted with licensed and practicing Animal-Assisted Therapists, who are working with the specified population, children with mental health and neurobiological disabilities. Data analysis occurred within a two-month period. The categories that emerged were: 1) client population, 2) clinician experience, 3) initial session, 4) family involvement, 5) social and …


Effectiveness Of Animal-Assisted Therapy: Therapists’ Perspectives, Nichole M. Budahn May 2013

Effectiveness Of Animal-Assisted Therapy: Therapists’ Perspectives, Nichole M. Budahn

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Animal-assisted therapy has frequently been used with children who have autism spectrum disorder. This study examined animal-assisted therapists’ perceptions of effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy with children who have DSM-IV mental health diagnoses. The researcher recruited self-identified animal-assisted therapists using social media sites LinkedIn and Facebook. Two therapists completed the fourteen question qualitative survey in full. Three themes were found in this study; comfort, confidence, and benefits. While this study produced definite themes, more research needs to be conducted on animal-assisted therapy and children with DSM-IV mental health disorders. Very few studies have been conducted on the impacts of animal-assisted therapy …