This tome features a number of various case study articles on different subjects pertaing to not only animal-assisted therapy, but also to service animals (there is a significant difference). One area (service animals)is for disabled individuals who have an animal-usually a dog-to assist them. The other area is for those interested in Biophilia, how clients benefit from exposure to animals from a therapeutic stance, where handlers bring their animals into long-term facilities, and the like.
I enjoyed this book so much I loaned my copy to a psychiatrist at a neighboring mental health clinc that I know who was conducting a group. She wanted to talk to them about the benefits of service animals for those with mental and emotional disorders, but didn't have the background on the subject. This book was indispensible for her. I plan to add more volumes like it to my library.
This book contains bonafide information to help AAT professionals in everything from forming a practice, zoonotic disease charts, guidelines for AAT in a variety of settings (hospitals, schools etc.), and with a variety of clients to Nature therapy and animal abuse issues.
Additionally, it offers information on assessment tools that can be applied to research in this area. It explains different statistical methods and how to use them.
This book is a 'must have' reference. It is encouraging to see good literature emerging in this field. As a practitioner in this area, I am encouraged by works like this.