Methodology

The aim of the scientific studies is to investigate the effects of an animal-assisted group program for trauma therapy based on trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy compared to treatment without the involvement of animals in order to understand how the involvement of animals can influence motivation and the therapeutic relationship in children and adolescents.

Initial findings from medical and psychological master's theses suggest that the companionship of dogs also has an additional positive effect on the relationship with the respective therapist and that some children at the beginning of the therapy overcome themselves to attend appointments and continue the treatment, which they would otherwise not have dared to do, precisely because of the dog.