Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy

Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy

Boris Levinson was the first professionally trained clinician to formally introduce and document the way that companion animals could hasten the development of a rapport between therapist and patient, thereby increasing the likelihood of patient motivation. The first edition of this book was the first work to document 'pet-oriented psychotherapy.' That text is reproduced here in its original form; however, in an effort to update and revise the text, notes have been added to identify and illuminate research and practices which have taken place since the original publication. In addition, a list of resources is included in the appendix. Topics discussed include historical background, the pet and mental hygiene, the use of pets in psychological assessment, animal aides in psychotherapy, pet-oriented therapy in residential settings, pets providing motivation for learning, the pet and family therapy, the child and his pet, and the therapist and his pet. This classic text will have great appeal to human service practitioners; health and mental health practitioners; and educators in social work, psychology, nursing, veterinary medicine, and counseling.