Lesser Known Therapies Series: Animal-Assisted Therapy
How harnessing the power of human connection with animals can allow for mental health recovery.
This series will be an indeterminate length, but a lot of the conversations I have with clients, potential or otherwise, is of the types of therapies that are available out there, and there are loads. I wanted to spend a few weeks talking about the types of therapies that we don’t hear loads about. Like this week.
In the realm of therapeutic interventions, a unique and heart-warming approach has been gaining recognition: animal-assisted therapy (AAT). This involves incorporating animals into therapeutic sessions to promote emotional, social, and cognitive wellbeing. From furry companions to gentle giants, animals have a remarkable ability to provide comfort, reduce stress, and foster healing connections.
The power of the human-animal bond
The human-animal bond is a powerful force that has been recognised for centuries. Animals offer unconditional love, non-judgmental support, and a calming presence that can be incredibly therapeutic. Interacting with animals has been shown to:
Reduce stress and anxiety: Stroking a pet or simply observing animals can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promote relaxation.
Increase social interaction: Animals can act as social catalysts, encouraging communication and reducing feelings of loneliness.
Boost mood and motivation: Interacting with animals can trigger the release of endorphins, natural mood boosters that promote feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
Provide a sense of purpose and responsibility: Caring for an animal can give individuals a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing depression or low self-esteem.
What are types and benefits of AAT?
AAT encompasses a range of interventions, including:
Therapy Animals: Specially trained animals, often dogs, visit hospitals, care homes, and schools to provide comfort and companionship.
Equine-Assisted Therapy: Working with horses can promote physical and emotional healing, helping individuals develop confidence, trust, and self-awareness.
Animal-Assisted Activities: Engaging in activities with animals, such as dog walking or grooming, can provide opportunities for social interaction, exercise, and stress reduction.
AAT has shown promising results in supporting individuals with a range of conditions. Below are some of the groups of people who have reported improvements in their conditions or their self-management following an appropriate type of AAT being implemented:
People with depression, anxiety or PTSD.
Autistic people.
Individuals living with the aftermath of a stroke, mobility impairments, and chronic pain.
People with developmental delays, including learning difficulties and disabilities.
You have to find the right provider
If you are interested in exploring animal-assisted therapy, it's important to find a qualified and experienced practitioner. It’s also important to work out if it is right for your, or your child. Unfortunately, there isn’t something yet that resembles a regulatory framework for this type of work in the United Kingdom, which is expanded upon here in this blog from the Society for Companion Animal Studies.
And in summary?
Animal-assisted therapy offers a unique and valuable approach to supporting wellbeing. By harnessing the power of the human-animal bond, AAT can provide comfort, promote healing, and enhance quality of life for individuals facing a range of challenges. Whether it's the unconditional love of a dog, the gentle strength of a horse, or the playful companionship of a cat, animals have a remarkable ability to touch our hearts and enrich our lives.
Can you help me?
I wish, but no. My dog is lovely, but sadly she is not at all therapeutic. She often times looks like this:
And yet, despite having known her for her entire life, she manages to surprise and alarm me, like when I peered over and saw this glancing back at me:
I’m guessing I did something to surprise her, but I couldn’t tell you what. That being said, Rolo truly is wonderful and animals make fantastic companions. Even ones, like mine, that don’t have a calling as a therapy dog.
I can still help with referrals, help you discuss your options, and let you know if anybody in my network is suitable for what you are looking for.
Please get in touch:
Final thoughts
Animals are great companions and somebody being there alongside us is an essential part of healing mentally, and of staying well. Humans are gregarious and social connection is essential for wellbeing. Even where the use of animals isn’t intention as part of a structured therapeutic intervention, having an animal as a companion is a great idea.
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