In the Eyes of the Beast: Exploring the use of Animal Assisted Psychotherapies in the Treatment of Trauma
Authors
Egan, Shannon
Issue Date
2025.16.12
Degree
MA in Pscyhotherapy
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Open Access
Abstract
Trauma profoundly impacts emotional regulation, relational safety, and somatic awareness, often presenting significant barriers to therapeutic engagement. Traditional trauma treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and psychodynamic approaches, may fall short for clients who struggle with verbal communication, body awareness, or interpersonal trust. This theoretical, literature-based thesis explores Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP) as a trauma-informed intervention that engages clients through non-verbal, embodied, and relational mechanisms. Drawing on Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory (PVT), and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles, the thesis examines how the human–animal bond (HAB) supports co-regulation, emotional safety, and resilience in therapeutic settings. The presence of animals is proposed to facilitate bottom-up regulation, enhance therapeutic alliance, and activate neurobiological processes such as oxytocin release and parasympathetic engagement. Key mechanisms of change, including non-verbal communication, co-regulation, and somatic engagement, are examined as foundational elements in the treatment of developmental and complex trauma. The thesis also explores how AAP complements existing modalities, considers ethical and practical implications, and highlights examples of AAP in practice across Irish and international contexts. By synthesising insights from psychology, neuroscience, and human–animal interaction research, this study contributes a conceptual framework for understanding AAP’s potential role in trauma recovery and offers recommendations for future clinical integration and research development.