"My Dog is in Teletherapy with Me": The Impact of a Pet Dog on Their Owner's Teletherapy Session

Carlette Anne Layne

Research output: Other contribution

Abstract

The connection between humans and animals has led to practices such as animal-assisted therapy, equine therapy, service animals, and pet ownership. Strong bonds and attachments can form between pet owners and their pets. It is no wonder that owning a pet is commonplace in the United States. Many pet owners identify their pet as a member of their family. In addition to companionship, research has indicated that pet ownership can have health benefits, reduce stress, increase empathy, and facilitate openness. In a therapeutic setting, the presence of a pet may comfort its owner simply by being near them. The ease of including a pet in a therapy session has improved with technology and teletherapy sessions. Recently, psychotherapy delivery has changed for clients and therapists to include a more accepted use of teletherapy sessions. The increase in teletherapy use may become commonplace, but some people are uncomfortable with online therapy. Finding a way to help clients reduce their stress and increase their openness in session may be accomplished by a trusted companion accompanying them in their session. While the companion could be human, it was the owner's dog in this research. This single case experimental designed study examines a dog owner's teletherapy experience with and without their dog in session with them.

Original languageUndefined/Unknown
StatePublished - May 25 2023
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameDoctoral Dissertations and Projects

Cite this