Evaluating Animal-Assisted Therapy in Group Treatment for Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse can have a myriad of lasting negative effects, and there is a need for multiple effective treatments. The effectiveness of using therapy dogs and stories in treatment for youth with a history of sexual abuse to reduce trauma symptoms, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, posttraumatic stress disorder, dissociation, and sexual concerns was examined. Results suggest that incorporating both dogs and stories into youth treatment for child sexual abuse may be beneficial.