The Potential of Animal-Assisted Therapy Within the Supervisory Alliance

ABSTRACT

Chandler identified eight generalized benefits of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for a person’s growth. These beneficial areas include (a) motivation, (b) distress tolerance, (c) alternative form of nurturance, (d) physical soothing, (e) genuine acceptance, (f) interactional enjoyment, (g) increased trust, and (h) increased encouragement to overcome barriers. Homestead identified supervision ideals, skills, and barriers within the supervisory alliance. If supervision is negative, this experience may disrupt the supervision relationship, process, and requirements. If not properly addressed, potential harm may come to the supervisee, supervisor, and possibly the client’s welfare. This review will identify how these eight areas of AAT may benefit the supervisory alliance to ensure the best care for the supervisee, supervisor, and the client.

KEYWORDS:

• Animal-assisted therapy
• creativity in supervision
• supervision
• supervision working alliance
• supervision barriers
• creativity in counseling

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bill E. Owenby

Bill E. Owenby is a Counselor Education & Supervision doctoral candidate in the School of Counseling at The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio.