Message to skeptics, doubters, puzzleds and others...
Scientific background, I like to argue, discuss, elaborate around a subject and often contradict so much that I have already been reproached for it. I like to play with skepticism, in the idea of going ever further in the knowledge. So I have nothing against skeptics in general, from Quebec or elsewhere, or against those whose workhorse boils down to a particular subject, on which they on which they strive without anyone really knowing why… What is troublesome, however, is when critics do not lead anywhere and the arguments lack intelligence. The result is all the more annoying when you know the subject criticized.
Thus, practicing as a psychologist psychotherapist and pet therapist for almost 15 years, having researched and published in the field, I think I know my subject. Obviously, everyone is free to express doubts as to the benefits of pet therapy or the presence of animals in general, it is not done for everyone ... but still it is necessary that the arguments hold the road ... And then, for some reason, the manipulation of the reader - with sophisticated words and well-chosen references - annoys me.
This text therefore presents what animal assisted interventions really are, with an example of practice adapted to a particular population, and why critics lack substance. For me, if the debate is possible, it is still open to the input of arguments allowing us a real intelligent dialogue, so that the great minds meet...
Keywords: Zootherapy, animal assisted interventions, controversies, psychotherapy, autism, intellectual disability