Animal-assisted therapy and equine-assisted therapy/learning in Canada : surveying the current state of the field, its practitioners, and its practices

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Schlote Sarah UVic Masters Thesis 2009.pdf (2.38 MB)

Date

2009-07-16T15:22:39Z

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Schlote, Sarah M.

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Abstract

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and equine-assisted therapy/learning (EAT/L) are innovative techniques in counselling, psychotherapy, mental health, coaching, and other personal growth interventions. Although this field has experienced tremendous growth in the United States, very little is known about its Canadian equivalent. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the current state of AAT and EAT/L in Canada, by conducting a national, bilingual (English and French) survey of helping professionals who involve animals in their practices. A total of 131 questionnaires were retained for analysis. The results of this study suggest that the field is very diverse, with a multitude of confusing terms and expressions, varying levels of education and training, and disagreement on how different practices are defined, resulting in a fragmented, confusing and inconsistent appearance. Recommendations for the evolution of the field and suggestions for future research are provided.

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Keywords

animal-assisted therapy, pet-facilitated therapy, animal-assisted activities, Equine-assisted psychotherapy, equine-facilitated psychotherapy, equine-assisted learning, equine-facilitated learning, equine-faciliated experiential learning, equine-guided education, equine-facilitated counselling, equine-facilitated counseling, equine-assisted coaching, Canada, survey, ethics, standards of practice, helping professions, counselling, counseling, psychotherapy, coaching, psychology, social work, education, experiential learning, nature-assisted therapy, therapeutic farms, healing, alternative approaches to healing, therapy animals, therapy dogs, horses, dogs, cats, farm animals, equine, natural horsemanship, animal-assisted, equine-assisted, equine-facilitated, equine-guided, bilingual

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http://hdl.handle.net/1828/1457

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Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD)
 
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