NCJ Number
243123
Date Published
2011
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Based on a review of relevant research, this chapter explains the rationale, methods, and circumstances under which animal-facilitated therapy has proven to be useful in sex offender treatment.
Abstract
Research on the impact of the presence and interaction with animals on humans' psychological and physical well-being has consistently shown favorable results in various contexts, including prisons. Although researchers have sometimes had difficulty capturing and quantifying the therapeutic functions of animals, clinicians who work with therapy animals frequently report their powerful impact on clients. The very presence of a therapy animal in a therapeutic context relaxes both client and therapist; facilitates an informal, casual interaction within a group; and tends to build rapport and trust. These experiences decrease anxiety and blood pressure. Also, throughout the assessment and treatment process, there are usually many opportunities to use the animal as a metaphor for the client, enabling him to understand a concept without becoming defensive. Other benefits of therapy animals for clients are increased perceptual, empathy, and communication skills; displays of nurturance in interaction with the animal; increased sense of self-esteem and acceptance; learning the features of acceptable physical contact that respects the feelings and well-being of the animal; and opportunities for humor. There are occasions, however, when animal-facilitated therapy is not advisable; for example, when the client is allergic, phobic, or dislikes animals or under the rare instance when the client has a history of bestiality. Details are provided on choosing and training a therapy animal, with a focus on therapy dogs. Another issue discussed is the importance of a therapist being sensitive to stress that the animal may experience due to constant interaction and response to various types of people, which is a type of "burnout." 29 references