What is the theory behind this Animal Assisted therapy worksheet?

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a treatment method that introduces animals while treating a psychological disorder. It is not just keeping pets; rather, it is goal-directed and involves a therapist who facilitates the relationship building between the animal and client. Research suggests its positive effects in seniors with mental distress. Due to deteriorating health and abilities, older adults suffer from feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. Animal assisted therapy helps such individuals in having a sense of agency and belonging.

How will the worksheet help?    

This worksheet provides insight into the treatment progress provided through animal assisted therapy. Clients will be able to point out the difference they experienced in their symptoms before and after having an animal companion.

How to use this worksheet?

To use this worksheet, a therapist is required to rate the mentioned emotional problems of the elderly patients on the scale from 1-10 (1 being the lowest) based on the client’s verbatim. Then after assigning animals and a few sessions later, re-rate the same problems. Check for improvements and differences between the before and after. 

Animal Assisted therapy worksheet

Symptoms before

Emotional problems                                                                                 Rating                                                  Feeling of isolationFeeling of helplessnessFeeling of hopelessness Anxiety AggressionLoss of control and agency

Symptoms After

Emotional problems                                                                                 Rating                                                  Feeling of isolationFeeling of helplessnessFeeling of hopelessness Anxiety AggressionLoss of control and agency

References

Banks, M. R., & Banks, W. A. (2002). The effects of animal-assisted therapy on loneliness in an elderly population in long-term care facilities. The journals of gerontology series A: biological sciences and medical sciences, 57(7), M428-M432.

Kanamori, M., Suzuki, M., Yamamoto, K., Kanda, M., Matsui, Y., Kojima, E., … & Oshiro, H. (2001). A day care program and evaluation of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for the elderly with senile dementia. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias®, 16(4), 234-239.

You can download this worksheet here.