Vicki Hutton – författare

How is it that depending on the setting, the same cat can be perceived as a homeless annoyance, a potential research subject or a thinking and feeling family member? The answer is bound up in our perception of non-human animals’ capacity to experience emotions, and this book draws on contemporary evidence-based research, observations, interviews and anecdotal case scenarios to explore the growing knowledge base around animal emotion. Acknowledging that animals can experience feelings directly affects the way that they are perceived and treated in many settings, and the author explores the implications when humans apply – or ignore – this knowledge selectively between species and within species.

This information is presented within the unique context of a proposed hierarchy of perceived non-human animals'' emotional abilities (often based on human interpretation of the animal’s emotional capacity), with examples of how this manifests at an emotional, spiritual and moral level. Implications for specific groups living with, caring for or working with non-human animals are examined, making the book of particular interest to those working, studying or researching in the veterinary professions; animal ethics, law and welfare; and zoology, biology and animal science.

This book will also be fascinating reading for anyone interested in simply learning more about the animals with whom we share this planet. For some readers, it will validate the reciprocal emotional bond they feel for living creatures. For others, it will raise questions about the moral treatment of sentient non-human beings, breaking down the human protective barrier of cognitive dissonance and activating a cycle of change.

How is it that depending on the setting, the same cat can be perceived as a homeless annoyance, a potential research subject or a thinking and feeling family member? The answer is bound up in our perception of non-human animals’ capacity to experience emotions, and this book draws on contemporary evidence-based research, observations, interviews and anecdotal case scenarios to explore the growing knowledge base around animal emotion. Acknowledging that animals can experience feelings directly affects the way that they are perceived and treated in many settings, and the author explores the implications when humans apply – or ignore – this knowledge selectively between species and within species.

This information is presented within the unique context of a proposed hierarchy of perceived non-human animals'' emotional abilities (often based on human interpretation of the animal’s emotional capacity), with examples of how this manifests at an emotional, spiritual and moral level. Implications for specific groups living with, caring for or working with non-human animals are examined, making the book of particular interest to those working, studying or researching in the veterinary professions; animal ethics, law and welfare; and zoology, biology and animal science.

This book will also be fascinating reading for anyone interested in simply learning more about the animals with whom we share this planet. For some readers, it will validate the reciprocal emotional bond they feel for living creatures. For others, it will raise questions about the moral treatment of sentient non-human beings, breaking down the human protective barrier of cognitive dissonance and activating a cycle of change.

A Reason to Live explores the human-animal relationship through the narratives of eleven people living with HIV and their animal companions. The narratives, based on a series of interviews with HIV-positive individuals and their animal companions in Australia, span the entirety of the HIV epidemic, from public awareness and discrimination in the 1980s and 1990s to survival and hope in the twenty-first century. Each narrative is explored within the context of theory (for example, attachment theory, the "biophilia hypothesis," neurochemical and neurophysiological effects, laughter, play, death anxiety, and stigma) in order to understand the unique bond between human and animal during an "epidemic of stigma." A consistent theme is that these animals provided their human companions with "a reason to live" throughout the epidemic. Long-term survivors describe past animal companions who intuitively understood their needs and offered unconditional love and support during this turbulent period. More recently diagnosed HIV-positive narrators describe animal companions within the context of hope and the wellness narrative of living and aging with HIV in the twenty-first century. Bringing together these narratives offers insight into one aspect of the multifaceted HIV epidemic when human turned against human, and helps explain why it was frequently left to the animals to support their human companions. Importantly, it recognizes the enduring bond between human and animal within the context of theory and narrative, thus creating a cultural memory in a way that has never been done before.

A Reason toLive explores the human-animal relationship through the narratives of elevenpeople living with HIV and their animal companions. The narratives, based on aseries of interviews with HIV-positive individuals and their animal companions inAustralia, span the entirety of the HIV epidemic, from public awareness anddiscrimination in the 1980s and 1990s to survival and hope in the twenty-firstcentury. Each narrative is explored within the context of theory (for example, attachment theory, the "biophilia hypothesis," neurochemical and neurophysiological effects, laughter, play, death anxiety, and stigma) in order to understand the unique bond between human and animalduring an "epidemic of stigma." A consistent theme is that these animalsprovided their human companions with "a reason to live" throughout theepidemic. Long-term survivors describe past animal companions who intuitivelyunderstood their needs and offered unconditional love and support during thisturbulent period. More recently diagnosed HIV-positive narrators describeanimal companions within the context of hope and the wellness narrative ofliving and aging with HIV in the twenty-first century. Bringing together thesenarratives offers insight into one aspect of the multifaceted HIV epidemic whenhuman turned against human, and helps explain why it was frequently left to theanimals to support their human companions. Importantly, it recognizes theenduring bond between human and animal within the context of theory andnarrative, thus creating a cultural memory in a way that has never been donebefore.

This textbook explores cultural responsiveness needed for working with diverse Australian communities in psychology and counselling settings, as well as in social science research. Key concepts essential for self-awareness and multicultural understanding are discussed in detail, encouraging readers to explore socialisation, discrimination and bias as well as effective principles for change. Topics covered include postcolonialism in relation to Indigenous Australians, racism, classism, sexism, cisgenderism and heterosexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism and religion. 

Over eleven chapters key concepts are discussed by experts in the field. Each topic covered includes a summary of relevant current affairs, followed by reflective essays from individuals sharing their own stories about their identities and experiences. Each chapter concludes with transformational learning activities to cultivate further insight, engagement and understanding of oppression and multicultural experiences.

This book will be a core resource for those completing tertiary psychology and counselling courses in Australia, and for those wishing to ensure their existing practice is up to date.

This volume presents counsellors'' self-care journeys across all stages of the professional lifespan—early career, mid-career, and tenured professional. Each chapter presents a contributor''s personal reflection and insight on sustaining oneself in the field through a strengths-based, autoethnographic lens. Addressing challenges like burnout, structural barriers, and global events (e.g., pandemics, natural disasters, and human rights movements), the collection highlights the realities of balancing self-care while supporting others. Although all affiliated with ACAP University College, the contributors bring unique perspectives shaped by personal experiences—such as motherhood, caregiving, grief, and cultural contexts—and professional backgrounds in clinical psychology, research, allied health, trauma-informed care, and multidisciplinary practice. Aimed at inspiring emerging counsellors and students while offering insights to seasoned professionals, this volume provides practical strategies on how resilience and longevity can be supported across the counselling profession.