Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Although animals have been historically associated with promoting physical and mental health benefits for humans, only recently has there been support for such claims in the literature. This article is a preliminary attempt to bring together scientific studies and anecdotal reports that provide evidence of the benefits of using animals in particular counseling situations.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Debra Phillips Parshall (2003) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: