COURSE DESCRIPTION: Animal Assisted Psychotherapy is often thought of as a distinct type of therapeutic approach, rather than within the context of sound theory. However, AAP is done most fully and most ethically when it is incorporated into a well-developed theoretical approach. AAP practitioners should have a clinical style that is well-founded within the context of theory and then find ways to integrate AAP into their already understood clinical approach.

 In this course, students will explore how AAP can exist within such a context while also being flexible and adaptable to include AAP within several different theoretical approaches. It is the goal of this course to introduce students to the use of a developmental-approach (as used in Parish-Plass) as well as exploring other approaches of their own choice. Students will explore different types of animal-assisted interventions that can be incorporated in a practical, useful, and cohesive treatment plan.

We hope that through this exploration, students will find effective, consistent, and adaptable ways to incorporate animals into their clinical practice. 

OBJECTIVES:

    1. Understand the inclusion of medium and projection in psychotherapy and how animals enhance this process

    2. Understand and present the basics of attachment, developmental, psychodynamic or other theories, and discuss how animals are able to be effective within these approaches. 

    3. Students will be able to develop a treatment plan using various theoretical orientations