*ETHICS*

The Human-Animal Bond in Counseling:

Ethics and Applied Strategies Beyond AAT

PRESENTER: 

Leslie Stewart, Ph.D.

Professor of Counseling, Idaho State University

ABSTRACT:

Enthusiasm surrounding the therapeutic application of the human-animal bond is steadily growing among the general public, client populations, and mental health providers. While the popularity of these approaches is on the rise, few are aware of the unique ethical and professionalization considerations of this highly specialized and nuanced approach. In this workshop, the presenter aims to provide an introductory orientation to the complex world of human-animal relationships and other forms of biophilia in professionalized healthcare and discuss the myriad of ways to include such approaches into treatment planning and wellness optimization.

SUMMARY:

Enthusiasm surrounding the therapeutic application of the human-animal bond is steadily growing among the general public, client populations, and mental health providers. Similarly, relationships with animals are becoming more recognized as important central relationships in the lives of many clients and for the general public. Regardless of whether a provider is interested in offering animal-assisted therapy approaches in practice, it is becoming more important for all counselors to have a foundational understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with the human-animal bond, including the context in which human-animal relationships can be both therapeutic and harmful. Despite the growing popularity of these approaches, few are aware of the unique ethical and professionalization considerations of this highly specialized and nuanced approach. In this workshop, the presenter aims to provide an introductory orientation to the complex world of human-animal relationships and other forms of biophilia in professionalized healthcare and discuss the myriad of ways to include such approaches into treatment planning and wellness optimization.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Identify and define distinctive animal roles: Service/Assistance Animals, Emotional Support Animals, Therapy Animals, and Companion Animals.

2. Understand and describe the theoretical underpinnings of beneficial human-animal relationships and interactions, and; the empirical basis for what kinds of human-animal interactions are beneficial, which are contra-indicated.

3. Discuss unique ethical and professionalization considerations relevant to the therapeutic application of the human-animal bond.

4. Generate a step-by-step plan towards integrating the human-animal bond into one’s own practice.