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Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Education
Notes
- Abstract:
- Purpose : Researchers and mental health professionals alike are interested in developing innovative and imaginative ways in which to enhance the ability of the therapist to join with and build rapport with clients in order to more quickly facilitate the therapeutic process especially in the era of managed care (Stanton, 2002). The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of the Human – Animal Bond and its purported benefits by interviewing participants who have experienced the presence of a therapeutic animal during the course of their counseling sessions. Method : Research study participants were recruited from a Central Florida outpatient counseling clinic where a therapy dog was already being utilized in mental health treatment. Ten participants responded to the flyers posted throughout the clinic. All ten participants completed the study. This researcher conducted a qualitative study, specifically a phenomenological investigation, and completed semi-structured interviews containing twenty-one questions to understand the nature of the Human – Animal Bond. Major Findings : Three major themes were found in the data. They are: Relationship to the Therapy Dog, Purpose of the Therapy Dog, and The Clinician and the Therapy Dog. Eleven sub-themes within each of the major categories also emerged and were examined and discussed. Overall, nine of the ten participants found the presence of T, the therapy dog, a significant positive factor in receiving mental health treatment with their licensed clinician. None of the participants found T’s presence and participation to be problematic to the point of discontinuing therapy or requesting a transfer to another clinician within the agency. However, feedback was provided to improve the implementation of T into the therapeutic process. Significant findings were generated involving the purpose of the therapy dog and how she enhanced treatment. T’s ability to offer a useful distraction and relax the clients was the most common benefit found in the data. Her unconditional love and talent in bringing warmth and peace to the therapy room was also of paramount importance across the participants. Although not all participants found her presence necessary for successful treatment, they all welcomed her presence and found benefit in this promising, cost effective, and relatively new adjunctive tool for treating clients who seek mental health services.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--Barry University, 2006.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 87-93).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Corrie L. Hungerford. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- RM931.A65 H86 2006_HungerfordCorrie ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- RM931.A65 H86 2006 ( lcc )
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