Dr. Boris Levinson and the Birth of Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Journey Through Pioneering Research
The field of animal-assisted therapy has come a long way since its humble beginnings, and much of its growth and recognition can be attributed to the ground breaking work of Dr. Boris Levinson. As a pioneer in the study of the psychological advantages of animal-assisted therapy, Dr. Levinson’s research laid the foundation for the widespread adoption of this therapeutic modality. In this blog post, we will delve into Dr. Levinson’s influential studies and explore their lasting impact on the world of therapy and mental health.
Dr. Levinson’s Serendipitous Discovery:
In the 1960s, Dr. Boris Levinson, a psychologist, inadvertently discovered the therapeutic potential of animals while working with a non-verbal autistic child. When Levinson’s dog, Jingles, was present during a session, the child began to interact and communicate for the first time, revealing the transformative power of the human-animal bond. Inspired by this observation, Dr. Levinson began to systematically study the psychological advantages of animal-assisted therapy.
Pioneering Research and Publications:
Dr. Levinson’s early research focused on the role of pets in the therapy process and their ability to foster rapport and trust between the therapist and the client. In his seminal 1962 article, “The Dog as a ‘Co-therapist'”, published in the journal Mental Hygiene, Levinson first introduced the concept of using animals in a therapeutic context.
In 1964, Dr. Levinson published a follow-up article titled “The Dog as a ‘Social Tonic'” in the journal Psychological Reports, which further explored the positive effects of pet therapy on patients’ socialization and emotional well-being.
His 1969 book, “Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy,” delved deeper into the therapeutic advantages of incorporating pets into the treatment of children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
The Lasting Impact of Dr. Levinson’s Work:
Dr. Boris Levinson’s research played a crucial role in the establishment of animal-assisted therapy as a legitimate and effective therapeutic modality. His work paved the way for further research and development in the field, leading to the establishment of various organizations and therapeutic programs dedicated to the use of animals in mental health treatment.
Today, animal-assisted therapy has expanded to include a wide range of species, such as horses, cats, and even rabbits, with numerous studies continuing to validate and expand upon Dr. Levinson’s initial findings.
Conclusion:
The pioneering work of Dr. Boris Levinson has had a lasting impact on the field of animal-assisted therapy, establishing a strong foundation for the exploration and understanding of the psychological advantages of human-animal interaction. As we continue to delve into the therapeutic potential of animals, we honor the legacy of Dr. Levinson and his unwavering commitment to the advancement of mental health treatment through the power of the human-animal bond.
References:
Levinson, B. (1962) The Dog as a ‘Co-therapist, Mental Hygiene: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1962-00083-001
Levinson, B. (1964) The Dog as a ‘Social Tonic, Psychological Reports: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.2466/pr0.1964.14.3.711
Mallon, G.P., and Levison, B., Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy 2nd ed. (1997) : https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Oriented-Child-Psychotherapy-Boris-Levinson/dp/0398066744/