Canine-assisted Psychotherapy Motivation Alliance

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BASEL · May 18, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "Canine-assisted Psychotherapy Motivation Alliance" trial is exploring how dogs can help children and teenagers, aged 9 to 17, who are experiencing mental health challenges. The researchers want to find out whether having a dog as part of therapy sessions makes the therapy more motivating and builds a better connection between the therapist and the young person. They will look at two different ways dogs can be involved: either as a central part of the therapy or just being present in the room without any specific role.

To participate in this study, children and teenagers must be between 9 and 17 years old, seeing a therapist for the first time, and have a positive attitude towards dogs. Their parents or guardians need to give permission for them to join. Therapists must have their own therapy dog and be trained in providing therapy to young people. Participants can expect to engage in therapy sessions that may include interaction with a dog, which could help them feel more at ease and connected. It’s important to note that this study is currently recruiting participants, so if you think you or someone you know might be eligible, it could be a great opportunity to explore the benefits of canine-assisted therapy.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria for children and adolescents: :
• • Age between 9 and 17 years
• • Children are seeing the therapist for the first time
• • Basic knowledge of child and parents in either German or English to be able to fill in questionnaires
• • Informed consent given by legal guardian
• • Positive or neutral attitude towards dogs
• Exclusion Criteria for children and adolescents: :
• • acute psychosis; early childhood autism
• • diagnosed developmental disorder or intellectual delay; if not diagnosed, exclusion when questionnaires cannot be completed due to development level
• • fear of dogs
• • allergic reactions to dogs
• • reported aggressive behavior towards animals in the past
• Inclusion criteria for therapists:
• • working with an own therapy dog
• • completed therapy training or if not completed far advanced therapy training under supervision
• • working with children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years
• Exclusion criteria for therapists:
• • not working with an own therapy dog
• • no completed or far advanced therapy training
• • not working with children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years