Can you let your dog into the room? Clinical zooanthroplogy and Gestalt Animal Assisted Psychotherapy

Abstract

This article studies the system of interchange between human and animal and develops a clinical approach to it. Through two clinical vignettes, the article illustrates how the system of mediation between humans and animals is characterized and how it provides the basis for therapeutic contact. Each vignette reveals the therapeutic value of animals, and in particular dogs. The concluding remarks primarily involve ethical considerations concerning assisted therapy with animals and then clinical implications.