Social Work and Animal-Assisted Intervention
Social Work and Animal-Assisted Intervention
Christy Taylor
University of Central Florida
Introduction The animal and human bond has existed for more than 12,000 years (Morrison, 2007). In the United States, 62% of the population report having a companion animal (Risley-Cutiss, 2010). Research suggests that companion animals provide adults and children with a feeling of security and unconditional love (Risley-Curtiss, 2010). Families have a close relationship with the animal companion and he or she is considered part of the family. The pet is part of the dynamics of the family system. Pet ownership, or being in the presence of an animal, has shown many health benefits, including mental, social, physiological improvements (The Human-Companion Animal Bond, 2009). Research findings show the importance of incorporating animals in social work research, education, and practice (Risley-Curtiss, 2010).
History
The York Retreat in England was the first institution to incorporate pet intervention. The psychiatric institution was founded in 1792 and encouraged clients to interact with rabbits and poultry (Netting, Wilson, & New, 1987). Pet therapy was not recognized in the United States until 1940. As veterans recovered from war, therapists encouraged clients to work with animals on the farm and in the forest (Netting et al., 1987). The intervention began to gain popularity in the 1960’s after Dr. Boris Levinson, a child psychotherapist, discovered the value of using a dog in therapy sessions with an autistic child (Colombo, Buono, Smania, Raviola, & Leo, 2005). Levinson published his findings and recommended research projects to further explore animal assisted therapy. His research suggested the animal receive special training while working in psychotherapeutic work (Netting et al., 1987). The therapist’s discovery caught the attention of researchers and social workers. Further studies were conducted in the
Christy Taylor
University of Central Florida
Introduction The animal and human bond has existed for more than 12,000 years (Morrison, 2007). In the United States, 62% of the population report having a companion animal (Risley-Cutiss, 2010). Research suggests that companion animals provide adults and children with a feeling of security and unconditional love (Risley-Curtiss, 2010). Families have a close relationship with the animal companion and he or she is considered part of the family. The pet is part of the dynamics of the family system. Pet ownership, or being in the presence of an animal, has shown many health benefits, including mental, social, physiological improvements (The Human-Companion Animal Bond, 2009). Research findings show the importance of incorporating animals in social work research, education, and practice (Risley-Curtiss, 2010).
History
The York Retreat in England was the first institution to incorporate pet intervention. The psychiatric institution was founded in 1792 and encouraged clients to interact with rabbits and poultry (Netting, Wilson, & New, 1987). Pet therapy was not recognized in the United States until 1940. As veterans recovered from war, therapists encouraged clients to work with animals on the farm and in the forest (Netting et al., 1987). The intervention began to gain popularity in the 1960’s after Dr. Boris Levinson, a child psychotherapist, discovered the value of using a dog in therapy sessions with an autistic child (Colombo, Buono, Smania, Raviola, & Leo, 2005). Levinson published his findings and recommended research projects to further explore animal assisted therapy. His research suggested the animal receive special training while working in psychotherapeutic work (Netting et al., 1987). The therapist’s discovery caught the attention of researchers and social workers. Further studies were conducted in the
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