Capturing the Essence of Canine Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling: A Phenomenological Inquiry of At-Risk Youths' Experiences of a Residential Canine Animal-Assisted Therapy Program

Abstract

Phenomenological inquiry was implemented to capture the experiences of nine at-risk youths’ unique and shared experiences of a canine animal-assisted therapy in counseling (AAT-C) program at a therapeutic working ranch (TWR) in the mid-western United States. Five females, and four males ranging in ages between 14 – 17 years participated in individual interviews and reflective journaling. In addition, field observations of the canine AAT-C group sessions were conducted on six separate occasions over a period of six months. Horizonalization of the research data was conducted, resulting in four themes that describe a complex and multi-dimensional phenomenon. Themes include: (a) a rippling effect on relational patterns across intrapersonal, interpersonal, and therapeutic domains, (b) cross-dimensional identification and realization of skill attainment, (c) therapeutic factors unique to the presence of a dog, (d) building and expansion of one’s community. A discussion of the relationship with existing literature about canine AAT-C and implications for counseling is addressed.