Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) can often be an important catalyst for therapist/client bonding.
A qualified mental health professional incorporates a trained therapy animal to the therapeutic process which to aid and motivate a child to learn various skills or work to resolve emotional/behavioral problems.
Why Does A.A.T Work?
If we look at the human physiology, several studies have shown that when you stroke an animal, it helps reduce your stress levels (cortisol levels) and increase feel-good hormones (oxytocin, dopamine etc). Working with a therapy animal, increases feelings of calm and openness in a therapeutic situation.
Unlike complex human communication, animals rely on simple communication using their body language. For example, it’s easy to pick on what a dog is feeling by looking at its tail. This may make it easier for child who struggles to pick on difficult social cues.
The animal acts as a bridge from the child to therapist, staff and peers. The presence of animals helps create a safe, soothing and non-threatening environment.
All of the above combined with a skilled therapist, help create an environment that can be a powerful tool for change.
How Does A.A.T Work?
Step 1: An Initial meeting in person or over the phone. We could have a quick chat to gather basic information about you and your family, and to answer any questions you might.
Step 2: An Assessment, this involves a detailed interview that includes clinical history of the client including any diagnosis previously made by medical professionals, family history, educational history, etc.
Step 3: Goal Setting: Together, we set goals for our future sessions.
Step 4: Rapport Building: These sessions are focused on building a safe and trusting relationship with you. It could take up to five sessions to determine if this approach of therapy is a good fit.
Step 5: Therapeutic Goals: are focused on working on the determined goals through various therapeutic activities.
What Could Animal Assisted Therapy Help With?
Animals are seen as "agents of socialization" and as providers of "social support and relaxation."(From: Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice). The goal of AAT is to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning.
Common mental health treatment goals that AAT may assist in meeting are:
Improve socialization and communication
Reduce isolation, boredom and loneliness
Brighten affect and mood, lessen depression, and/or provide pleasure and affection
Improve memory and recall; address grieving and loss issues
Improve self-esteem, be presented with opportunities to succeed and feel important, and improve feelings of self-worth
Improve reality
Improve cooperation and problem-solving ability
Improve concentration and attention, and increase engagement
Decrease manipulative behaviors
Improve expression of feelings
Reduce general anxiety
Reduce abusive behavior
Improve an ability to trust and learn appropriate touch (Gammonley, et al., 2000)
Meet Chubby
Age: 7years
Experience: Over 5 years of visiting children with determination and helping build their self- confidence
Favorite Activities: playing football and chasing geese. loves sunbathing but hates swimming!
Favorite treat: spare ribs from mutt madness
Fun fact: loves cats and wants to be friends with them.
Favorite human interactions: ear massages are welcomed any time
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