Date

5-25-2023

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Sonya Heckler Cheyne

Keywords

teletherapy, dog ownership, stress, pets, intervention, attachment, openness, therapy, single-case experimental design, SCED, human animal bond, HAB

Disciplines

Counseling | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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.

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