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Animal-Assisted Therapy: Benefits and Challenges

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Biotherapy - History, Principles and Practice

Abstract

As counsellors working in southern Alberta, Canada, we have been fortunate to practice animal-assisted therapy to supplement more traditional counselling methods. We have seen that the presence of an animal can speed up rapport building, break down communication barriers and create a meaningful platform for learning, personal growth and desired change. At the same time, we have also directly experienced the challenges and ethical considerations when working with therapy animals.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cole and Associates Counselling Services, #270 Point McKay Terrance NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 4V6, Canada

    Mary Cole M. Couns., CCC

  2. 4057 Hacking Rd., Tappen, B.C., V0E 2X0, Canada

    Maureen Howard M.Sc., R. Psych.

Authors
  1. Mary Cole M. Couns., CCC
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  2. Maureen Howard M.Sc., R. Psych.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mary Cole M. Couns., CCC .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. and Semmelweis Clinic, Institute of Pathology and Microbiology, Rudolfstiftung Hospital, Juchgasse 25, Vienna, 1030, Austria

    Martin Grassberger

  2. & Research Foundation, BioTherapeutics, Education, Urey Court 36, Irvine, 92617, California, USA

    Ronald A. Sherman

  3. , Preclinic Dentistry and Physiotherapy, Perm State Academy of Medicine, Revolution Street 4-135, Perm, 614007, Russia

    Olga S. Gileva

  4. , Graduate School of Integrated Medicine, CHA University, Yatapdong, Bundanggu 222, Seongnam, Gyeongghido, 463-836, Korea, Republic of (South Korea)

    Christopher M.H. Kim

  5. Hadassah Medical School, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Hebrew University -, P.O. Box 12272, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel

    Kosta Y. Mumcuoglu

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Cole, M., Howard, M. (2013). Animal-Assisted Therapy: Benefits and Challenges. In: Grassberger, M., Sherman, R., Gileva, O., Kim, C., Mumcuoglu, K. (eds) Biotherapy - History, Principles and Practice. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6585-6_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6585-6_9

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  • Online ISBN: 978-94-007-6585-6

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