Animal-assisted psychotherapy for developmental trauma through the lens of interpersonal neurobiology of trauma: Creating connection with self and others.

Abstract

Chronic maltreatment in childhood has been found to have serious deleterious effects on the child’s present and future medical and psychological health, self-regulation, and ability to function in interpersonal relationships, resulting in developmental trauma (DT). In recent years, researchers in the field of neurobiology have discovered pervasive neurological implications of maltreatment, negatively affecting the functioning of the neurological system, bringing further understanding of the emotional and behavioral issues in those suffering from DT. Integration of knowledge of the psychological effects of chronic maltreatment with knowledge of the interpersonal neurobiology of trauma has proved useful for psychotherapists in their treatment of survivors of maltreatment. However, the symptoms of DT form barriers to some of the very principles of psychotherapy that are meant to treat sufferers of DT. This article presents the background for trauma- and neurobiology-informed psychotherapy, focusing on some symptoms of DT that might form barriers to psychotherapy, specifically distrust in others (leading to difficulty in establishing the therapeutic alliance), emotional numbness and loss of touch with self (leading to lack emotional expression, implicit memories without the context of explicit memories, lack of recognition of the trauma and its implications), and shame and the subsequent presentation of false self to others (preventing the ability to work through the trauma with the therapist). Experts in the field of DT state that therapy must take place in the context of relationships. Animal-assisted psychotherapy, conducted in a highly relational environment, is discussed as an approach which might lower these barriers.

Effects of animal-assisted psychotherapy incorporating mindfulness and self-compassion in neurorehabilitation: a randomized controlled feasibility trial

“…Previous research already showed that some patients with acquired brain injury profit more from the animal’s presence than others 36 . Animal-assisted psychotherapy is thought to be especially helpful for patients experiencing difficulties in interpersonal relationships 64 , 65 and survivors of developmental trauma 48 . Further studies should focus on process- and relationship-based measures to better understand effects of animal-assistance on the therapeutic alliance.…”

“…Integrating a domesticated animal in a psychotherapeutic intervention, delivered by a psychotherapist with additional certification in animal-assisted therapy, is conceptualized as animal-assisted psychotherapy 46 , 47 . Conducted in a highly relational environment, animal-assisted psychotherapy is discussed to be an approach that lowers barriers to utilization of psychotherapeutic interventions 48 by enriching the therapeutic setting through a context of normality and non-evaluation which helps patients to feel secure and accepted 49 , 50 . Animals are hypothesized to act as social-support figures 51 .…”

The Relevance of Internal Working Models of Self and Others for Equine-Assisted Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

“…However, an established and distorted Model of Self and Others (MoS and MoO) in patients with attachment-related problems such as CPTSS, DESNOS, or DTD makes it difficult to establish long-term, productive, intersubjective relationships—in effect, to engage in the therapeutic healing process [ 16 , 20 , 35 ]. Many patients in this population jump from one therapy to another, reflecting a sense that the treatments are not in line with their needs [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ].…”

“…Many patients in this population jump from one therapy to another, reflecting a sense that the treatments are not in line with their needs [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. Amongst others, the field of Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP) seeks ways of facilitating the psychotherapy process by the inclusion of animals in the therapeutic process [ 35 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ].…”

“…Various kind of pets or domesticated animals are included. The integration of the animal brings up projections and emotions through its authenticity and aliveness [ 35 , 45 , 46 ].…”