Cow as co-therapist: Utilization of farm animals as therapeutic aides with children in residential treatment

Abstract

Using a mixed methodological approach, this exploratory study investigates the experiences of children who are placed in a residential treatment center that utilizes farm animals as one of its treatment approaches. The findings indicate that the children utilized the farm animals, like one would utilize the services of a therapist. Respondents indicated that they spoke to the animals, without fear that what they said would be repeated; that they visited the animals to feel better when they felt sad or angry; and that they learned about nurturing and caring for other living things. This article highlights a unique and novel approach to treatment that has not, as yet, been fully explored by the child welfare profession.

Pet facilitated therapy and the therapeutic relationship: participant perspectives

“…Also consistent with the literature (Mallon, 1994b;Reichert, 1994) are my findings that participants sought out the dog in order to cope with emotional distress.…”

“…Appendix E contains a copy of this survey. Mallon (1994b) states that "The intuitive ties between humans and animals require intuitive methods of study, which can be useful as ends in themselves or in delineating questions that one might attempt to investigate at a later point in a more quantitative approach" (p. 459).…”

“…Some children specifically attested to seeking the animals out in order to deal with feelings of sadness, loneliness or anger. Mallon (1994b) noted many benefits to the children, including the opportunity to develop nurturing skill s, but cautioned practitioners to be sensiti ve to the eventual issue of separation of the child from the animals. He encouraged the provision of processing opportunities to children around this separation, so that the human-animal bonding experience continued to be a healthful one.…”

The Development of an Enhanced Extension Agent Training to Create Butterfly Gardens in Louisiana

“…Utilising the client's style of relating (ParishPlass 2008), and observing the animal's reaction to the client, mirrors certain aspects about the self back to the client as well as facilitating self-awareness (Ewing et al 2007;Rector 2005). This provides opportunities for growth and change (Schlote 2009 Animals are also perceived as a source of calm and relaxation (Kruger and Serpell 2006;Lefkowitz et al 2005); as a source of connection with reality and the here and now (Mallon 1994); as a source of motivation to attend therapy sessions (Halcomb and Meacham 1990); and as an attachment figure in other scenarios (Parish-Plass 2008).…”

Animal-Assisted Interventions; Effects on Human Mental Health - A Theoretical Framework

“…Qualitative studies in The Netherlands (Elings & Hassink, 2008) and in Norway (Bjørgen & Johansen, 2007) have also emphasized the farmer contact and the social setting as important aspects for participants with mental health issues. An exploratory study at the Green Chimneys institution among 80 children with behavioural and mental health problems, showed that the children utilized the farm animals as if utilizing the service of a therapist; they visited the animals to feel better, and they learned about nutrition and caring for animals (Mallon, 1994). In a 12-week pilot project on AAI with goats for ten multiply-disabled adults (all deaf), the video registrations showed that the clients expressed joy and decreased withdrawal in contact with the goats.…”