What is Animal Assisted Therapy?
Of the many types of therapy available, one field that has recently become prominent is that of animal assisted therapy. As the name implies, patients are given structured interaction with various animals to help overcome physical, mental, educational, emotional, or motivational problems.
Although using animals in therapy has only recently become widespread, it has been seen throughout the 20th century – therapy dogs were used to comfort soldiers in World War II, and it has been common for nursing homes to keep a cat on the premises to cheer up residents. Now, though, variety has grown in both the types of therapy as well as the animals used in treatment sessions.
In physical animal assisted therapy, patients are allowed to interact with animals while working on improving physical strength or dexterity. The joy of working with animals can help overshadow the frustration of having to make repeat attempts, and functions as a reward for the muscular exhaustion that is sometimes encountered by physical therapy patients.
Mental therapy makes great use of animals, as well. Those who struggle in social settings often notice an increase in self-esteem and a decrease in anxiety while working with the animals. These treatment sessions also help patients focus for longer periods of time, and helps incentivize verbal communication with those overseeing the session as well as other participants.
Animal assisted therapy used to be limited to just dogs and cats, but that list is expanding rapidly. Creatures such as horses, rabbits, various types of birds, and even dolphins are sometimes used in treatment settings.
Despite the fact that some were quick to write this treatment style off as a fad, studies have consistently shown animal assisted therapy to be effective for treatments ranging from basic physical therapy to helping bring a conclusion to complex marital issues – it can be expected that this will become even more widespread in years to come.
I think using animals is a great way of healing!
There is something really comforting and spiritual about being with an animal or pet, it’s almost an innate thing.