Bringing Science to Our Stories in Animal-Assisted Services
A Practitioner’s Guide to Blending Anecdotes and Evidence
Angela K Fournier author Elizabeth A Letson author
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Publishing:13th Oct '26
£34.99
This title is due to be published on 13th October, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
Animal-assisted professionals carry powerful stories of change – moments of connection, growth, and insight that unfold through human–animal interaction.
Bringing Science to Our Stories in Animal-Assisted Services shows how those stories can become the foundation for clear, credible evidence. Through the practical SAGA method (Start with a story, Ask a question, Gather data, Analyze the Data and Act on Your Findings), this book guides readers in turning meaningful experiences into measurable insights without losing heart or humanity.
Using real-world examples and accessible tools, practitioners learn how to observe human and animal behavior, gather useful data, evaluate programs, monitor wellness, and communicate findings with confidence. By blending story with science, this book strengthens professional credibility, supports animal welfare, and invites practitioners to contribute to the growing evidence base of the field – one story at a time.
“Bringing Science to Our Stories in Animal-Assisted Services beautifully demonstrates that storytelling and science are not opposites – they’re partners. With engaging examples and practical tools, this book empowers animal-assisted practitioners to ground their work in evidence while honoring the lived experiences that make it so powerful. This is a tremendous resource for our field.”
Taylor Chastain Griffin, PhD, executive director, Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP)
"As a social worker, psychotherapist, and provider of equine-assisted services, I have witnessed countless experiences of healing that need to be measured in more than words alone. This book finally gives us a practical way to show what we know to be true: animals help people heal. It blends powerful stories with meaningful data, offering practitioners a roadmap to document outcomes, advocate for programs, and share our work with credibility. This book is a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and organizations committed to advancing the evidence base for animal-assisted services."
Rebecca Brown, MSW, RSW, author of Break Free from Burnout
“This book bridges knowledge and real-world application and has taken the complex subject of data analysis and made it clear, practical, and immediately usable. By using story to close the gap between understanding and action, the authors have turned something intimidating into something empowering. I’m excited to put these insights into practice.”
Lynn Moore, MA, LADC, founder and CEO of Acres for Life Therapy and Wellness Center
ISBN: 9781041073826
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
290 pages