To access this work you must either be on the Smith College campus OR have valid Smith login credentials.

On Campus users: To access this work if you are on campus please Select the Download button.

Off Campus users: To access this work from off campus, please select the Off-Campus button and enter your Smith username and password when prompted.

Non-Smith users: You may request this item through Interlibrary Loan at your own library.

Publication Date

2022-6

First Advisor

Marianne R. M. Yoshioka

Second Advisor

Marsha Kline Pruett

Third Advisor

Kate Trujillo

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

animal assisted therapy, canine assisted therapy, therapeutic alliance, attachment trauma, intersubjectivity

Abstract

This paper examines Canine Assisted Therapy (CAT) and its role in the development of the therapeutic alliance in working with early attachment trauma, through an intersubjective lens. To address this, I collected data from an anonymous survey (n=130) and conducted in depth interviews (n=4) with eligible therapists who provided CAT, to generate insights from their experiences of CAT and their work with clients with early attachment trauma. My results showed that CAT does have a positive impact on the therapeutic alliance, in areas such as pacing, rapport building, and strengthening the relationship in terms of trust, and depth. and resilience It was also found that CAT brought joy and laughter into the therapeutic alliance which facilitated the deepening of the relationship between therapist, client, and dog. From a trauma informed, intersubjective perspective these findings have potential implications for therapists’ ability to provide more effective interventions to those who struggle to engage in the therapeutic alliance as a result of attachment trauma. Additional research into CAT’s creation of joy and laughter in the therapy room is warranted.

Rights

©2022 Renee Lindquist. Access limited to the Smith College community and other researchers while on campus. Smith College community members also may access from off-campus using a Smith College log-in. Other off-campus researchers may request a copy through Interlibrary Loan for personal use.

Language

English

Download

Smith Only:
Off Campus Download

Share

COinS