"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. It's the only thing that ever has." 
                                                                                                                                                    - Margaret Mead 
                                                                                                         

Associations & Links

Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA)
Founded in 1980, CanTRA is the national association offering a training and certification/accreditation system for therapeutic riding coaches and therapeutic riding centres.  CanTRA is an umbrella organization that is also vested in representing the fields of equine-facilitated mental health and hippotherapy.

Hippotherapy committee
Founded in 2006 as part of CanTRA, the Hippotherapy committee seeks to provide information to the public about this approach.

Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA)
Incorporated in 1987, the CHTA's mission is to promote the field and approach of horticultural therapy, and provide educational/training opportunities that prepare individuals for the CHTA's voluntary registration process.

Canadian Foundation for Animal-Assisted Support Services (CF4AASS)
Originally founded in 1998 as the Canadian Alliance for Animal-Assisted Services (CAFAAS), this organization's goal is to provide a fund to support the development of a broad spectrum of animal-assisted support services as well as the individuals accessing such services.
Canadian Task Force for Animal-Assisted Therapy: Founded in 2008, this committee is currently under development and consists of professionals from across Canada who wish to discuss and develop the field of AAT, including standards and guidelines, education/training, and certification.

Corporation des Zoothérapeutes du Québec (CZQ)  [Corporation of Animal-Assisted Therapists of Quebec]. Closely affiliated with the Ecole Internationale de Zoothérapie (EIZ), the CZQ seeks to represent animal-assisted therapists in the province of Quebec.

Equine-Facilitated Mental Health - Canada committee
Founded in 2005 as part of CanTRA, EFMH-Canada is currently developing a national credentialing process for the practice of equine-facilitated work that is independent of any one approach and inclusive of multiple approaches.

Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA)
The Canadian division of EAGALA promotes the practice of their particular approach to equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), and offers training, resources and a certification process.

Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association (EFMHA) is a vibrant and fast growing section within NARHA. EFMHA promotes human growth and development by bringing people and equines together in mutually beneficial ways.

Transpersonal Psychology Education

Institute of Transpersonal Psychology



Literature - Recommended Reading
                                                                                                              
Animal-assisted therapy

Altschuler, E.L. (1999). Pet-facilitated therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, 11(1), 29-30.Ascione, F.R. (1992). Enhancing children’s attitudes about the humane treatment of animals: Generalization to human-directed empathy. Anthrozoös, 5(3). Retrieved April 2, 2007 from www.deltasociety.org/AnimalsHealthChildrenEnhancing.htmAscione, F.R. & Weber, C.V. (1996). Children’s attitudes about the humane treatment of animals and empathy: One-year follow-up of a school-based intervention. Anthrozoös, 9(4), p. 188-195.

Banks, M.R. & Banks, W.A. (2002). The effects of animal-assisted therapy on loneliness in an elderly population in long-term care facilities. Journal of Gerontology, 57A(7), M428-M432.Bardill, N. & Hutchinson, S. (1997). Animal-assisted therapy with hospitalized adolescents. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 10(1), 17-24.

Barker, S.B., Pandurangi, M.D., & Best, A.M. (2003). Effects of animal-assisted therapy on patients' anxiety, fear, and depression before ECT. The Journal of ECT, 19(1), 38-44.Beck, A.M. & Katcher, A.H. (1984). A new look at pet-facilitated therapy. Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association, 184(4), 414-421.

Berget, B., Skarsaune, I., Ekeberg, O., & Braastad, B.O. (2007). Humans with mental disorders working with farm animals: A behavioral study. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 23(2), 101-117.

Brodie, S.J. & Biley, F.C. (1999). An exploration of the potential benefits of pet-facilitated therapy. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 8, 329-337.

Brodie, S.J., Biley, F.C. & Shewring, M. (2002). An exploration of the potential risks associated with using pet therapy in healthcare settings. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 11, 444-456.

Brooks, S.M. (2006). Animal-assisted psychotherapy and equine-facilitated psychotherapy. In N.B. Webb (Ed.), Working with traumatized youth in child welfare (pp. 196-217). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

Caprilli, S. & Messeri, A. (2006). Animal-assisted activity at A. Meyer Children’s Hospital: A pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 3(3), 379-383.

Colombo, G., Dello Buono, M., Smania, K., Raviola, R., & De Leo, D. (2006). Pet therapy and institutionalized elderly: A study on 144 cognitively unimpaired subjects. Archives of Gerontology & Geriatrics, 42, 207-216.

Corson, S.A., Corson, E.O., & Gwynne, P.H. (1975). Pet-facilitated psychotherapy. In R.S. Anderson (Ed.), Pet animals and society (pp. 19-36). Baltimore, MD: Williams and Wilkins.

Deaton, C. (2005). Humanizing prisons with animals: A closer look at ‘cell dogs’ and horse programs in correctional institutions. Journal of Correctional Education, 56(1), 46-62.

Draper, R.J., Gerber, G.J., & Layng, E.M. (1990). Defining the role of pet animals in psychotherapy. Psychiatric Journal of the University of Ottawa, 15(3), 169-172.

Fine, A.H. (Ed.) (2006). Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.

Folse, E.B., Minder, C.C., Aycock, M.J., & Santana, R.T. (1994). Animal-assisted therapy and depression in adult college students. Anthrozoös, 7(3), 188-194.

Temple, G. (2009). Animals make us Human Creating the best life for animals. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers.

Granger, B.P., Kogan, L., Fitchett, J., & Helmer, K. (1998). A human-animal intervention team approach to animal-assisted therapy. Anthrozoös, 11(3), 172-176.

Hanselman, J.L. (2001). Coping skills interventions with adolescents in anger management using animals in therapy. Journal of Child & Adolescent Group Therapy, 11(4), 159-195.

Harris, M.D., Rinehart, J.M. & Gerstman, J. (1993). Animal-assisted therapy for the homebound elderly.  Holistic Nurse Practitioner, 8, 27-37.

Heimlich, K. (2001, October/November/December).  Animal-assisted therapy and the severely disabled child: A quantitative study. Journal of Rehabilitation, 48-54.

Hoelscher, K. & Garfat, T. (1993). Talking to the animal. Journal of Child and Youth Care, 8(3), 87-92.

Hooker, S.D., Holbrook Freeman, L., Stewart, P. (2002). Pet therapy research: A historical overview. Holistic Nursing Practice, 17(1), 17-23..

Hunter, D. & Sawyer, C. (2006). Blending native American spirituality with individual psychology in work with children. Journal of Individual Psychology, 62(3), 234-250. 

Jalongo, M.R., Astorino, T. & Bomboy, N. (2004). Canine visitors: The influence of therapy dogs on young children’s learning and well-being in classrooms and hospitals. Early Childhood Education Journal, 32(1), 9-16.

Johnson, R.A., Odendaal, J.S.J., & Meadows, R.L. (2002). Animal-assisted interventions research: Issues and answers.

Kaiser, L., Spence, L.J., McGavin, L., Struble, L., & Keilman, L. (2002). A dog and a ‘happy person’ visit nursing home residents. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24(6), 671-683.

Kaminski, M., Pellino, T., & Wish, J. (2002). Play and pets: The physical and emotional impact of child-life and pet therapy on hospitalized children. Children’s Health Care, 31(4), 321-335.

Katcher, A. & Wilkins, G.G. (1998). Animal-assisted therapy in the treatment of disruptive behavior disorders in children. In A. Lundberg (Ed.), The environment and mental health (pp. 193-204). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc.

Kaymen, M.S. (2005). Exploring animal-assisted therapy as a reading intervention strategy. Unpublished master’s thesis.

Kogan, L.R., Granger, B.P., Fitchett, J.A., Helmer, K.A., & Young, K.J. (1999). The human-animal team approach for children with emotional disorders: Two case studies. Child & Youth Care Forum, 28(2), 105-121.

Kohanov, L. (2007). Way of the Horse. New York: New World Library.

Kohanov, L. (2003). Riding Between Worlds- Expanding our Potential Through The Way Of The Horse.CA: New World Library


Kovacs, Z., Kis, R., Rozsa, S., & Rozsa, L. (2004). Animal-assisted therapy for middle-aged schizophrenic patients living in a social institution: A pilot study. Clinical Rehabilitation, 18, 483-486.

Kruger, K.A., Trachtenberg, S.W. & Serpell, J.A. (2004). Can animals help humans heal? Animal-assisted interventions in adolescent mental health. Philadelphia, PA: Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society.

Lafrance, C., Garcia, L.J., & Labreche, J. (2007). The effect of a therapy dog on the communication skills of an adult with aphasia.  Journal of Communication Disorders, 40, 215-224.

Lefebvre, S.L., Waltner-Toews, D., Peregrine, A.S., Reid-Smith, R., Hodge, L., Arroyo, L.G. & Weese, J.S. (2006). Prevalence of zoonotic agents in dogs visiting hospitalized people in Ontario: Implications for infection control. Journal of Hospital Infection, 62, 458-466.

Lefkowitz, C., Paharia, I., Prout, M., Debiak, D. & Bleiberg, J. (2005). Animal-assisted prolonged exposure: A treatment for survivors of sexual assault suffering posttraumatic stress disorder. Society & Animals, 13(4), 275-295.

Levinson, B.M. (1962). The dog as 'co-therapist.' Mental Hygiene, 46, 59-65.

Levinson, B.M. (1964). Pets: A special technique in child psychotherapy. Mental Hygiene, 48(2), 243-248.

Levinson, B.M. (1965). Pet psychotherapy: Use of household pets in the treatment of behavior disorder in childhood. Psychological Reports, 17, 695-698.

Levinson, B.M. (1969). Pet-oriented child psychotherapy. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, Publisher.

Levinson, B.M. (1984). Human/companion animal therapy. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 14(2), 131-144.

Lucidi, P., Bernabo, N., Panuzi, M., Dalla Villa, P., & Mattioli, M. (2005). Ethotest: A new model to identify (shelter) dogs' skills as service animals or adoptable pets. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 95, 103-122..

Lutwack-Bloom, P., Wijewickrama, R., & Smith, B. (2005). Effects of pets versus people visits with nursing home residents. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 44(3/4), 137-159.

Macaulay, B.L. (2006). Animal-assisted therapy for persons with aphasia: A pilot study. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 43(3), 357-366.

Mallon, G. (1992). Utilization of animals as therapeutic adjuncts with children and youth: A review of the literature. Child and Youth Care Forum 21(1), 53–67.

Mallon, G.P. (1994a). Some of our best therapists are dogs. Child & Youth Care Forum, 23(2), 89-101.

Mallon, G.P. (1994b). Cow as co-therapist: Utilization of farm animals as therapeutic aides with children in residential treatment. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 11(6), 455-474.

Marr, C.A., French, L., Thompson, D., Drum, L., Greening, G., Mormon, J., Henderson, I., & Hughes, C.W. (2000). Animal-assisted therapy in psychiatric rehabilitation. Anthrozoös, 13(1), 43-47.

Martin, F. & Farnum, J. (2002). Animal-assisted therapy for children with pervasive developmental disorders. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24(6), 657-670.

McCabe, B.W., Baun, M.M., Speich, D. & Agrawal, S. (2002). Resident dog in the Alzheimer's special care unit. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24, 684-696.

Miller, J., Connor, K., Deal, B., Duke, G.W., Stanley-Hermanns, M., Varnell, G., Hartman, K., & McLarty, Jerry. (2003). How animal-assisted therapy affects discharge teaching: A pilot study. Critical Care Choices, 36-40.

Miller, J. & Ingram, L. (2000). Perioperative nursing and animal-assisted therapy. AORN Journal 72(3), 477-483.

Morrison, M. (2007). Health benefits of animal-assisted interventions. Complementary Health Practice Review 12(1), 51–62.

Moody, W.J., King, R., & O’Rourke, S. (2002).  Attitudes of paediatric medical ward staff to a dog visitation programme. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 11, 537-544.

Nathans-Barel, I., Feldman, P., Berger, B., Modai, I., & Silver, H. (2005). Animal-assisted therapy ameliorates anhedonia in schizophrenia patients. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 74, 31-35.

Nimer, J. & Lundahl, B. (2007). Animal-assisted therapy: A meta-analysis. Anthrozoös, 20(3), 225-238.

Odendaal, J.S.J. (2000). Animal-assisted therapy – magic or medicine? Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 49, 275-280.

Phillips Parshall, D. (2003). Research and reflection: Animal-assisted therapy in mental health settings. Counseling and Values, 48, 47-56.

Prothmann, A., Bienert, M., & Ettrich, C. (2006). Dogs in child psychotherapy: Effects on state of mind. Anthrozoös, 19(3), 265-277.

Reichert, E. (1994). Play and animal-assisted therapy: A group-treatment model for sexually abused girls ages 9-13. Family Therapy, 21(1), 55-62.

Reichert, E. (1998). Individual counseling for sexually abused children: A role for animals and storytelling. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 15(3), 177-185.

Reimer, D. (1999). Pet-facilitated therapy: An initial exploration of the thinking and theory behind an innovative intervention for children in psychotherapy. West Roxbury, MA: Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology.

Rice, S.S., Brown, L.T., & Caldwell, S.B. (1973). Animals and psychotherapy: A survey. Journal of Community Psychology, 1(3), 323-326.

Rochberg-Halton, E. (1985). Life in the Treehouse: Pet therapy as family metaphor and self-dialogue. Marriage & Family Review, 8(3-4), 175-189.

Ross, S.B. Jr. (1993). Nurturing with nature. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Problems, 1(4), 38-40.

Ross, S.B. Jr., Vigdor, M.G., Kohnstamm, M., DiPaoli, M., Manley, B. & Ross, L. (1984). The effects of farm programming with emotionally handicapped children.  In R.K. Anderson, B.L. Hart, & L.A. Hart (Eds.), The pet connection: Its influence on our health and quality of life.  Paper presented at the proceedings of the Conference on the Human-Animal Bond, Minneapolis, MN, June 13-14, 1983.

Rossiter, S. (2006). Forget Me Not Farm: A healing place. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, 9(1), 30-32.

Souter, M.A. & Miller, M.D. (2007). Do animal-assisted activities effectively treat depression? A meta-analysis. Anthrozoös, 20(2), 167-180.

Stanley-Hermanns, M. & Miller, J. (2002). Animal-assisted therapy. American Journal of Nursing, 102(10), 69-76.

The Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society (2004). Can animals help humans heal? Animal-assisted interventions in adolescent mental health. Program and summaries of the conference held at the University of Pennsylvania, March 28, 2004.

The Chimo Project (2003, November). Final project team report for: The Chimo Project - Improving mental health through animal-assisted therapy. Retrieved September 30, 2008 from http://www.health.alberta.ca/key/phc_IE_203ChimoProject.pdf 

Thompson, K.L. & Gullone, E. (2003). Promotion of empathy and prosocial behaviour in children through humane education. Australian Psychologist, 38(3), 175-182.

Velde, B.P., Cipriani, J., & Fisher, G. (2005). Resident and therapist views of animal-assisted therapy: Implications for occupational therapy practice. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 52, 43-50.

Wells, E.S., Rosen, L.W., & Walshaw, S. (1997). Use of feral cats in psychotherapy. Anthrozoös, 10(2/3), 125-130).

Waltner-Toews, D. (1993). Zoonotic disease concerns in animal-assisted therapy and animal visitation programs. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 34, 549-551.

Wilson, C.C. (1991). The pet as an anxiolytic intervention.  The Journal of Mental and Nervous Disease, 179, 482-489..


Equine-assisted therapy

All, A.C., Loving, G.L., & Crane, L.L. (1999, July/August/September). Animals, horseback riding, and implications for rehabilitation therapy. Journal of Rehabilitation, 49-57.

Anderson, M.K., Friend, T.H., Evans, J.W., & Bushong, D.M. (1999). Behavioral assessment of horses in therapeutic riding programs. Applied Animal Behavior Science, 63, 11-24.

Bizub, A.L., Joy, A., & Davidson, L. (2003). ‘It’s like being in another world’: Demonstrating the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with psychiatric disability. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 26(4), 377-384.

Bowers, M.J. & MacDonald, P.M. (2001). The effectiveness of equine-facilitated psychotherapy with at-risk adolescents. Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 15, 62-76.

Brooks, S.M. (2006). Animal-assisted psychotherapy and equine-facilitated psychotherapy. In N.B. Webb (Ed.), Working with traumatized youth in child welfare (pp. 196-217). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

Brouillette, M.A. (2006). The psychological impact of equine-assisted therapy on special education students.  Unpublished master's thesis.

Burgon, H. (2003). Case studies of adults receiving horse-riding therapy. Anthrozoös, 16(3), 263-276.

Cooper, T. & Jobe, T. (2007). Equine encounters. Reclaiming Children and Youth, 16(1), 40-44.

Deaton, C. (2005). Humanizing prisons with animals: A closer look at ‘cell dogs’ and horse programs in correctional institutions. Journal of Correctional Education, 56(1), 46-62.

Dell, C.A., Chalmers, D., Dell, D., Sauve, E. & MacKinnon, T. (2008). Horse as healer: An examination of equine assisted learning in the healing of first nations youth from solvent abuse. Pimatisiwin: A Journal of Aboriginal and Indigenous Community Health, 6(1), 81-106.

Drawe, H.L. (2001). An animal-assisted therapy program for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioural disorders. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Science and Engineering 61(11–B):6130.

Esbjorn, R.J. (2006). When horses heal: A qualitative inquiry into equine facilitated psychotherapy. Unpublished doctoral thesis.

Ewing, C.A., MacDonald, P.M., Taylor, M., & Bowers, M.J. (2007). Equine-facilitated learning for youths with severe emotional disorders: A quantitative and qualitative study. Child Youth Care Forum, 36, 59-72.

Frame, D.L. (2006). Practices of therapists using equine facilitated/assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of adolescents diagnosed with depression: A qualitative study. Unpublished doctoral dissertation.

Hayden, A. (2005). An exploration of the experience of adolescents who participated in equine-facilitated psychotherapy: A resiliency perspective. Unpublished doctoral dissertation.

Haylock, P.J.&Cantril, C.A. (2006). Healing with horses: Fostering recovery from cancer with horses as therapists. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 2(3), 264-268.

Iannone, V. (2003). Evaluation of a vocational and therapeutic riding program for severely emotionally disturbed adolescents. Unpublished doctoral dissertation.

Kaiser, L., Spence, L., Lavergne, A., and Vanden Bosch, K. (2004). Can a week of therapeutic riding make a difference? A pilot study. Anthrozoös, 17(1), 63–72.

Karol, J. (2007). Applying a traditional individual psychotherapy model to equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP): Theory and method. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 12(1), 77-90.

Klontz, B.T., Bivens, A., Leinart, D., & Klontz, T. (2007). The effectiveness of equine-asssisted experiential therapy: Results of an open clinical trial. Society and Animals, 15, 257-267.

Kogan, L.R., Granger, B.P., Fitchett, J.A., Helmer, K.A., & Young, K.J. (1999). The human-animal team approach for children with emotional disorders: Two case studies. Child & Youth Care Forum, 28(2), 105-121.

Kovacs, Z., Kis, R., Rozsa, S., & Rozsa, L. (2004). Animal-assisted therapy for middle-aged schizophrenic patients living in a social institution: A pilot study. Clinical Rehabilitation, 18, 483-486.

Kruger, K.A., Trachtenberg, S.W. & Serpell, J.A. (2004). Can animals help humans heal? Animal-assisted interventions in adolescent mental health. Philadelphia, PA: Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society.

Lafrance, C., Garcia, L.J., & Labreche, J. (2007). The effect of a therapy dog on the communication skills of an adult with aphasia.  Journal of Communication Disorders, 40, 215-224.

Lefebvre, S.L., Waltner-Toews, D., Peregrine, A.S., Reid-Smith, R., Hodge, L., Arroyo, L.G. & Weese, J.S. (2006). Prevalence of zoonotic agents in dogs visiting hospitalized people in Ontario: Implications for infection control. Journal of Hospital Infection, 62, 458-466.

Lefkowitz, C., Paharia, I., Prout, M., Debiak, D. & Bleiberg, J. (2005). Animal-assisted prolonged exposure: A treatment for survivors of sexual assault suffering posttraumatic stress disorder. Society & Animals, 13(4), 275-295.

Levinson, B.M. (1962). The dog as 'co-therapist.' Mental Hygiene, 46, 59-65.

Levinson, B.M. (1964). Pets: A special technique in child psychotherapy. Mental Hygiene, 48(2), 243-248.

Levinson, B.M. (1965). Pet psychotherapy: Use of household pets in the treatment of behavior disorder in childhood. Psychological Reports, 17, 695-698.

Levinson, B.M. (1969). Pet-oriented child psychotherapy. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, Publisher.

Levinson, B.M. (1984). Human/companion animal therapy. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 14(2), 131-144.

Lucidi, P., Bernabo, N., Panuzi, M., Dalla Villa, P., & Mattioli, M. (2005). Ethotest: A new model to identify (shelter) dogs' skills as service animals or adoptable pets. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 95, 103-122..

Lutwack-Bloom, P., Wijewickrama, R., & Smith, B. (2005). Effects of pets versus people visits with nursing home residents. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 44(3/4), 137-159.

Macaulay, B.L. (2006). Animal-assisted therapy for persons with aphasia: A pilot study. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 43(3), 357-366.

Mallon, G. (1992). Utilization of animals as therapeutic adjuncts with children and youth: A review of the literature. Child and Youth Care Forum 21(1), 53–67.

Mallon, G.P. (1994a). Some of our best therapists are dogs. Child & Youth Care Forum, 23(2), 89-101.

Mallon, G.P. (1994b). Cow as co-therapist: Utilization of farm animals as therapeutic aides with children in residential treatment. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 11(6), 455-474.

Marr, C.A., French, L., Thompson, D., Drum, L., Greening, G., Mormon, J., Henderson, I., & Hughes, C.W. (2000). Animal-assisted therapy in psychiatric rehabilitation. Anthrozoös, 13(1), 43-47.

Martin, F. & Farnum, J. (2002). Animal-assisted therapy for children with pervasive developmental disorders. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24(6), 657-670.

McCabe, B.W., Baun, M.M., Speich, D. & Agrawal, S. (2002). Resident dog in the Alzheimer's special care unit. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24, 684-696.

Miller, J., Connor, K., Deal, B., Duke, G.W., Stanley-Hermanns, M., Varnell, G., Hartman, K., & McLarty, Jerry. (2003). How animal-assisted therapy affects discharge teaching: A pilot study. Critical Care Choices, 36-40.

Miller, J. & Ingram, L. (2000). Perioperative nursing and animal-assisted therapy. AORN Journal 72(3), 477-483.

Morrison, M. (2007). Health benefits of animal-assisted interventions. Complementary Health Practice Review 12(1), 51–62.

Moody, W.J., King, R., & O’Rourke, S. (2002).  Attitudes of paediatric medical ward staff to a dog visitation programme. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 11, 537-544.

Nathans-Barel, I., Feldman, P., Berger, B., Modai, I., & Silver, H. (2005). Animal-assisted therapy ameliorates anhedonia in schizophrenia patients. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 74, 31-35.

Nimer, J. & Lundahl, B. (2007). Animal-assisted therapy: A meta-analysis. Anthrozoös, 20(3), 225-238.

Odendaal, J.S.J. (2000). Animal-assisted therapy – magic or medicine? Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 49, 275-280.

Phillips Parshall, D. (2003). Research and reflection: Animal-assisted therapy in mental health settings. Counseling and Values, 48, 47-56.

Prothmann, A., Bienert, M., & Ettrich, C. (2006). Dogs in child psychotherapy: Effects on state of mind. Anthrozoös, 19(3), 265-277.

Reichert, E. (1994). Play and animal-assisted therapy: A group-treatment model for sexually abused girls ages 9-13. Family Therapy, 21(1), 55-62.

Reichert, E. (1998). Individual counseling for sexually abused children: A role for animals and storytelling. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 15(3), 177-185.

Reimer, D. (1999). Pet-facilitated therapy: An initial exploration of the thinking and theory behind an innovative intervention for children in psychotherapy. West Roxbury, MA: Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology.

Rice, S.S., Brown, L.T., & Caldwell, S.B. (1973). Animals and psychotherapy: A survey. Journal of Community Psychology, 1(3), 323-326.

Rochberg-Halton, E. (1985). Life in the Treehouse: Pet therapy as family metaphor and self-dialogue. Marriage & Family Review, 8(3-4), 175-189.

Ross, S.B. Jr. (1993). Nurturing with nature. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Problems, 1(4), 38-40.

Ross, S.B. Jr., Vigdor, M.G., Kohnstamm, M., DiPaoli, M., Manley, B. & Ross, L. (1984). The effects of farm programming with emotionally handicapped children.  In R.K. Anderson, B.L. Hart, & L.A. Hart (Eds.), The pet connection: Its influence on our health and quality of life.  Paper presented at the proceedings of the Conference on the Human-Animal Bond, Minneapolis, MN, June 13-14, 1983.

Rossiter, S. (2006). Forget Me Not Farm: A healing place. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, 9(1), 30-32.

Souter, M.A. & Miller, M.D. (2007). Do animal-assisted activities effectively treat depression? A meta-analysis. Anthrozoös, 20(2), 167-180.

Stanley-Hermanns, M. & Miller, J. (2002). Animal-assisted therapy. American Journal of Nursing, 102(10), 69-76.

The Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society (2004). Can animals help humans heal? Animal-assisted interventions in adolescent mental health. Program and summaries of the conference held at the University of Pennsylvania, March 28, 2004.

The Chimo Project (2003, November). Final project team report for: The Chimo Project - Improving mental health through animal-assisted therapy. Retrieved September 30, 2008 from http://www.health.alberta.ca/key/phc_IE_203ChimoProject.pdf 

Von Rust Mc Cormick, A., Mc Cormick, D., Mc Cormick, T.E.(2004). Horses and The Mystical Path. The Celtic Way of Expanding The Human Soul Ca: New World Library.


Nature-assisted Therapy

Berger, R. (2006). Using contact with nature, creativity and rituals as a therapeutic medium with children with learning difficulties: A case study. Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, 11(2), 135-146.

Berger, R. (2007). Nature therapy: Developing a framework for practice.  Unpublished doctoral dissertation.

Berger, R. (2008). Building a home in nature: An innovative framework for practice. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 48(2), 264-279.

Berger, R. & McLeod, J. (2006). Incorporating nature into therapy: A framework for practice. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 25(2), 80-94.

Beringer, A. (2004). Toward an ecological paradigm in adventure programming. Journal of Experiential Education, 27(1), 51-66.

Burls, A. (n.d.). People and green spaces: Promoting public health and well-being through ecotherapy. Journal of Public Mental Health, 6(3), 24-39.

Hill, N.R. (2007). Wilderness therapy as a treatment modality for at-risk youth: A primer for mental health counselors. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 29(4), 338-349.

Hunter, D. & Sawyer, C. (2006). Blending native American spirituality with individual psychology in work with children. Journal of Individual Psychology, 62(3), 234-250.

Kuo, F.E. & Faber Taylor, A. (2003). A potential natural treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Evidence from a national study. American Journal of Public Health, 94(9), 1580-1586.

Nebbe, L. (1991). Nature as a guide: Using nature in counseling, therapy, and education. Minneapolis, MN: Educational Media Corporation.

Maller, C., Townsend, M., Pryor, A., Brown, P., & St. Leger, L. (2005). Healthy nature, healthy people: 'Contact with nature' as an upstream health promotion intervention for populations. Health Promotion International, 21(1), 45-54.

Moon, G., Kearns, R., & Joseph, A. (2006). Selling the private asylum: Therapeutic landscapes and the (re)valorization of confinement in the era of community care. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 31, 131-149.

Voss, R.W., Douville, V., Little Soldier A., Twis, G. (1999). Tribal and Shamanic-Based Social Work Practice: A Lakota Perspective. In Journal of Social Work, volume 44 (3), May 1999.

Weaver, H. (2002). Perspectives on Wellness: Journeys on the red Road. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 29 (1), pp.5-15.


Human-animal bond: The Powerful Impact of Pets and the Natural World

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Catanzaro, T.E. (2003a). Human-animal bond and primary prevention. American Behavioural Scientist, 47(1), 29-30.

Catanzaro, T.E. (2003b). Human-animal bond and secondary prevention. American Behavioural Scientist, 47(1), 40-41.

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Hines, L.M. (2003). Historical perspectives on the human-animal bond. American Behavioral Scientist, 47(1), 7-15.

Ipsos-Reid (2001). Paws and claws: A syndicated study on Canadian pet ownership. Ottawa, ON: Ipsos-Reid.

Johnson, R.A. (2002). Human-animal interaction research as an area of inquiry in nursing. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24, 713-715.

Johnson, R.A., Meadows, R.L., Haubner, J.S., & Sevedge, K. (2003). Human-animal interaction: A complementary/alternative medical (CAM) intervention for cancer patients. American Behavioral Scientist, 47(1), 55-69. .

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Katcher, A., Segal, J. & Beck, A. (1984). Contemplation of an aquarium for the reduction of anxiety. In R.K. Anderson, B.L. Hart, & L.A. Hart (eds.), The Pet Connection: Its Influence on Our Health and Quality of Life (171-179). Minneapolis, Minnesota: Center to Study Human-animal Relationships and Environments, University of Minnesota.

Meadows, R.L. (2002). Human-animal interaction research as an area for interdisciplinary collaborative research. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24(6), 606-608..

Melson, G.F. (2003). Child development and the human-companion animal bond. American Behavioral Scientist, 47(1), 31-39.

Netting, F.E., Wilson, C.C., & New, J.C. (1987, January-February). The human-animal bond: Implications for practice. Social Work, 60-64.

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Risley-Curtiss, C., Holley, L.C. & Wolf, S. (2006). The human-animal bond and ethnic diversity.  Social Work, 51(3), 257-268.

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Research

CENSHARE(Center to Study Human-Animal Relationships and Environments) - University of Minnesota
Center for Animals and Public Policy - Tufts Universi
Center for the Human-Animal Bond- Purdue University
Center for the Study of Human-Animal Interdependent Relationships - Tuskegee University
Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee (HABIT) - University of Tennessee
Institute for Applied Ethology and Animal Psychology(Switzerland)
Institut für interdisziplinäre Erforschung der Mensh-Tier-Beziehung(Swizterland)
International Society for Applied Ethology
New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies
Multidisciplinary Research Institute on the relation between humans and animals(Netherlands)
The People-Pet Partnership- Washington State University
Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction- University of Missouri-Columbia
Society for Companion Animal Studies(UK)


 Scholarly Journals

Human-animal Bond

Anthrozoös
Applied Animal Behavior Science
Journal of Applied Animal WelfareScience
Society & Animals
Humanimalia

Nature-based Approaches
(Ecopsychology, horticultural therapy, wilderness and adventure therapy)

Ecopsychology
Earth and Nature Based Spirituality
Education & Research in Ecopsychology
Gatherings
Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning
Journal of Experiential Education



Research Funding

ISAZ Waltham Collaborative Research Award
The purpose of this collaboration is to stimulate new research in the area of human-animal interactions, with particular interest in the role of pets in the lives of elders, pets enhancing healthy longevity, and understanding the barriers to pet ownership.  A total of $22,000 in grant funds will be available for distribution.  One or more projects may be funded within this budget.  The deadline to submit applications is January 1, 2009.

Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF)
The purpose of HHRF-funded research is to investigate the therapeutic effects of horses on humans.  The broad research agenda includes basic research as well as clinical studies that will ultimately impact the physical and mental health and quality of life for people with disabilities who are involved with equine-assisted activities/therapies (EAA/T). The next grant application deadline is May 15, 2009.

 
 Disclaimer: Whispering Herd is does not endorse all programs, organizations and links listed hereabove. The here included information is for informational purpose.