There are many indications that humans have a tendency to affiliate with nature, and with other living beings, including non-human species. Examples of such affiliation range from spending time in parks and nature reserves to humanising our companion animals to the point that we accord them family-member status and strongly grieve their passing. Research has also shown that humans can benefit significantly from their relationships with non-human animals. For example, studies have indicated that even the mere observation of animals can result in reduced physiological responding to stressors, and in increased positive mood. In the present review, we propose that findings such as these may provide important information regarding the potential benefits to be derived from incorporating non-human animals into intervention strategies, particularly for children. Of specific relevance for children is their fascination with, and attraction to, non-human animals. There is also the very nonjudgemental nature of human–animal interactions (i.e., unconditional positive regard) that has been argued, among other benefits, to serve as a useful “bridge” for the establishment of rapport between therapist and child. However, despite promising avenues of investigation, the area of animal-assisted intervention remains largely neglected by researchers. In this paper, we call for sound empirical investigation into proposals regarding the potential therapeutic benefits of incorporating non-human animals into intervention programs.

Cognitive-behavioural models of psychosis have been widely discussed in the literature, with a focus on the beliefs about the voices that are a component of auditory hallucinations. This study examines the ability of beliefs about the voices to predict the course of psychiatric symptomatology in psychosis over a 1-month period, compared with changes in depressive symptomatology. Thirty people with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder participated in this study. Their mental state functioning, depression, and beliefs about their voices were assessed in interview. Mental state functioning and depression were assessed again after 1 month, in addition to antipsychotic medication compliance over the previous month (rated by self and the psychiatrist). The strongest predictor of a worsening of psychiatric symptoms over the month was increased depression in the previous month. Using p < 0.1 criteria to offset possible Type II errors in the small sample, a person's belief that their voices were very powerful was also predictive of psychiatric deterioration. The ways in which beliefs about the power of the voices can be challenged in cognitive-behaviour therapy with psychosis is discussed, as are directions for future research.

This paper describes the use of cognitive-behavioural therapy to assist a very experienced Special Olympics tennis player control his unacceptable on-court behaviour. In 10 weekly sessions he was taught to relax both on and off court, change his gloomy self statements and negative predications of his future behaviour, analyse and learn three essential elements of good sporting behaviour and practised these skills under low stress conditions. He assisted in the writing of a book, which described all the stages of his therapy, and he looked at the book often between therapy sessions. At an interstate championship held 3 months later the player won all his early matches but lost in the final series. However he was able to practise relaxation skills and positive self-statements, and perform all the elements of good sporting behaviour.