Effects of animal-assisted psychotherapy incorporating mindfulness and self-compassion in neurorehabilitation: a randomized controlled feasibility trial

Transdiagnostic psychotherapeutic approaches are increasingly used in neurorehabilitation to address psychological distress. Animal‐assistance is thought to increase efficacy. The present study evaluates a psychotherapeutic mindfulness‐ and self‐compassion‐based group intervention (MSCBI) with and without animal‐assistance for patients with acquired brain injury. Patients (N = 31) were randomly assigned to the 6‐week intervention with (n = 14) or without animal‐assistance (n = 17). Primary outcome was psychological distress at post‐ and follow‐up treatment, secondary outcomes were changes within‐session of patients' emotional states, adherence to treatment and attrition. Psychological distress significantly decreased in both groups from pre‐ to follow‐up treatment with no difference between groups. Patients in the animal‐assisted MSCBI group reported significantly higher increases in feeling secure, accepted, comforted, grateful, motivated and at ease during the sessions compared to patients in the MSCBI group without animal‐assistance. Adherence to sessions was significantly higher in the animal‐assisted MSCBI group. Attrition did not significantly differ between groups. Our results show that both MSCBIs with and without animal‐assistance are feasible and effective in reducing psychological distress in patients with acquired brain injury. The significant changes within‐sessions mainly in relationship‐based emotional states and the higher treatment adherence suggest additional effects of animal‐assistance. Animal‐assistance might increase acceptability and patients' commitment to psychotherapy.