Dogs And Animal Assisted Therapy

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The use of dogs to assist in the treatment of physically and sexually abused children is an effective tool in the treatment and healing process. Animal assisted therapy, which includes the dog in the actual therapeutic process, allows a child to view the dog as a model and reassurance. The dog is a nonjudgmental entity, which augments the level of self-esteem the child is internalizing and stimulates their communication of feelings. Gereal P. Mallon (1994) states there are numerous reports in literature that exemplify the value of human contact with animals. Studies have indicated animals such as dogs play an important role in not only socializing, but a significantly greater role in humanizing children. Dogs in particular due to their interactive and affectionate nature have become increasingly effective in adjunct therapy settings of children and youth. Piaget (1929) revealed in his research a stage in child development that it is inherently natural for a child to attribute human characteristics to an animal. Cartoons, fairytales, and mythology designed for children often depict animals as important roles of human interaction. Children are even found to project their inner feelings onto an animal, which they perceive as loving. These animals too do not talk back or argue which provides the continuous degree of nonjudgmental interaction essential to a child’s recovery process. Dogs play a key role in therapy for abused children, however animal assisted therapy remains an adjunct treatment. Elisabeth Reichert (1998) states animal-assisted therapy must be used in conjunction with other therapies and cannot stand on its own. This study will focus on the relationships with dogs in treatment of physically and sexually abused... ... middle of paper ... ...dog assisted intervention is yet unknown. Other differential effects of human interaction with dogs and their clinical study situations have not yet expanded the reach of potential research. There is a need for better-designed experiment settings and reliability equation need to be documented for determination of the expanse of patient benefit (Johnson et. al., 2002). Dogs as a bridge between psychotherapist and child requires further research to drive current results and urge the comparing of improvements in psychological distress among physically and sexually abused children and teenagers. The results of further studies could prove beneficial in facilitating stronger nurturing experiences in children as well as promoting nurturing experiences in society. New methods of dog and animal assisted therapy may be revealed as positive potential therapies for children.

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