Cynthia Chandler's 3rd edition of Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling is a real gem. It is full of updated research and provides the reader with strong practical suggestions for implementation. The book will be a great asset for any mental health practitioner interested in applying animal assisted interventions into their practice.
Aubrey H. Fine, EdD, professor, California State Polytechnic University
This book is an excellent resource for practitioners who want to include AAT into counseling practice. It is very well written, clear, thorough, and approachable for novice and experienced AAT practitioners alike. Of particular value are Chandler's strategies for including AAT into well-established counseling theoretical orientations. It is the first book I recommend to my own counseling students who are interested in AAT.
Leslie A. Stewart, PhD, LPC, assistant professor of counseling, Idaho State University
The new edition of Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling clearly explains the practical skills needed for clinical application of animals in counseling settings and the empirical evidence supporting how animals can improve mental health treatment outcomes. This volume is a carefully organized review of the practice and promise of animal assisted therapy in the treatment of mental health issues with attention to the safety, well-being, and ethical considerations of the human and non-human participants.
Philip Tedeschi, clinical professor, executive director, Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver
It is within relationships that counselors and clients process therapeutic material leading to change. In this substantially updated third edition, Dr. Chandler not only provides comprehensive information about all aspects of animal assisted therapy in mental health, but also offers clear insight into how this unique modality actually works. Her contribution of human-animal relational theory is significant because it delves into the process by which the ethical involvement of animals facilitates therapeutic work. Very highly recommended!
Rise VanFleet, PhD, RPT-S, CDBC, cofounder, International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy