Joumal of Mental Health Counseling Volume 32/Number 4/October 2010/Pages 354-374 PRACTICE Matching Animal-Assisted Therapj Techniques and Intentions with Counseling Guiding Theories Cynthia K. Chandler Torey L. Portrie-Bethke Casey A. Barrio Minton Delini M. Fernando Dana M. O'Callaghan Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) interventions are often used in mental health practice, yet there are few studies to assist mental health counselors in integrating AAT practice with theoretical foundations. The authors draw upon the literature on AAT intentions and techniques to illustrate how these practices are consistent with a variety of theoretical orientations. Case illustrations are provided. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) incorporates animals into the therapeutic process. The therapy animal works in partnership with a counselor to provide compassionate and stimulating counseling to facilitate human client recovery (Chandler, 2005). AAT applications in mental health counseling are increas- ingly popular because the modality can impact a number of concems. Researchers have found that AAT is effective in increasing positive social behaviors and decreasing hehavior problems (Fick, 1993; Heindl, 1996; Hergovich, Monshi, Semmler, & Zieglmayer, 2002; Redefer & Goodman, 1989; Richeson, 2003; Trotter, Chandler, Goodwin-Bond, & Casey, 2008; Walsh, Mertin, Verlander, & Pollard, 1995); enhancing self- esteem (Walsh & Cynthia K. Chandler, Torey L. Portrie-Bethke, Casey A. Barrio Minton. and Delini M. Fernando are affiliated with the University of North Texas. Dana M. O 'Callaghan is a graduate ofthe University of North Texas. Correspondence concerning this article should bé addressed to Cynthia K. Chandler, Counseling Program, University of North Texas, ¡¡55 Union Circle, # 3¡0829, Dentón, TX 76203-5017. E-mail: Cynthia.Chandler@unt.edu. 354