Bringing Science to Our Stories in Animal-Assisted Services

Angela K. Fournier, PhD, LP, is a professor, psychologist, researcher, and author specializing in equine-assisted services and the science of human–animal interaction.Elizabeth A. Letson, MS, LPCC, is the founder of Eagle Vista Ranch & Wellness Center. She is a counselor, researcher, instructor, and author specializing in equine-assisted psychotherapy, learning, and coaching.

“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

• Part I: Start with a Story 1. Bringing Science to Our Stories in Animal-Assisted Services 2. Stories with Strength: Sharing Anecdotes and Evidence 3. Assessment, Evaluation, or Research: Which Data Story Are You Telling? Part II: Ask a Question 4. Moving from Curiosity to Empirical Question 5. Making Questions Measurable Part III: Gather Evidence 6. Watching with Purpose: Observing Natural Behavior 7. Turning Moments into Measures: Observing Specific Behaviors 8. Capturing the Heart of Our Work: Measuring Human-Animal Interaction 9. Honoring Experience: Listening Through Self-Report Part IV: Analyze and Act 10. Analyzing and Acting on Your Data 11. Sharing Your Data Story: Reporting Findings with Purpose 12. Ethical Data Practices: Responsibility to Humans, Animals, and Stories 13. Your Wellness Saga: Wellness Data on the Animal-Handler Team 14. Practice-Based Evidence in Animal-Assisted Services: From Individual Sagas to Shared Data Stories