What Is Animal-Assisted Therapy?

What Is Animal Assisted Therapy?

Animal-assisted therapy includes animals in therapy sessions to help people with their mental and physical health. These animals can be dogs, cats, horses, or even birds. The animals are specially trained to interact with patients and provide comfort, reduce stress, and help people open up during therapy sessions. The bond between the patient and the animal can make therapy more enjoyable and effective.

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In this type of therapy, the therapist, the patient, and the animal work together to achieve the therapy goals. For example, a patient might pet or play with a dog during a session to help them feel more relaxed and less anxious [1]. The presence of an animal can make it easier for people to talk about their feelings and experiences, making the therapy session more productive. This approach can be used for various issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, and addiction, providing a unique and supportive way to heal.

History of Animal-Assisted Therapy

The idea of using animals to help people feel better is not new. In the 1800s, a nurse named Florence Nightingale noticed that pets helped her patients feel less lonely and more relaxed. She saw that animals could make people happy [2], even when they were sick. She observed that having small pets, like birds, could lift the spirits of her patients and improve their overall well-being.

Later, in the 1930s, a famous doctor named Sigmund Freud brought his dog to his therapy sessions. Freud believed that having his dog, Jofi, in the room helped his patients feel more at ease. He noticed that his patients were more likely to open up and talk about their feelings when Jofi was there. The dog’s calming presence made the therapy sessions more comfortable and effective.

By the 1960s, therapists began to see the benefits of using animals in their work more widely. One notable example is Dr. Boris Levinson, a child psychologist, who discovered the positive impact of animals in therapy by accident [3]. He found that his dog, Jingles, helped a young boy speak for the first time during a therapy session. Dr. Levinson then began to include Jingles in more sessions and saw significant improvements in his patients.

In the 1980s, the practice of using animals in therapy gained more formal recognition. The Delta Society, now known as Pet Partners, was founded in 1977 and played a significant role in promoting the use of animals in therapy [4]. They established standards for animal-assisted therapy and provided training for therapy animals and their handlers. This helped to professionalize the field and ensured that therapy animals were well-trained and safe to work with patients.

Today, pet therapy and animal-assisted activity programs are used all over the world to help people with many different problems. It is not just limited to dogs and cats, though. Animals like horses, rabbits, and even dolphins are used in various therapeutic settings. The practice has expanded to include helping people with physical disabilities, mental health issues, and those recovering from addictions. Animals have become valuable partners in the healing process, offering comfort, support, and unconditional love.

Who Can Benefit from It?

Animal-assisted therapy can help many different kinds of people. Children who have trouble talking about their feelings can find it easier to open up when a friendly animal is around. For children, animals can make therapy less scary and more like playtime. Adults with anxiety or depression can also benefit. Spending time with animals can help them feel calmer and happier [5].

People who are recovering from addiction can find animal-assisted therapy highly beneficial, too. The animals can help them feel less stressed and more focused on their recovery.

Even elderly people in nursing homes can benefit. Animals can bring them joy and companionship, making them feel less lonely.

Ultimately, anyone who loves animals and needs a little extra support can find comfort and healing through animal-assisted therapy.

Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy has many advantages for people of all ages. One of the biggest benefits is that it helps reduce stress and anxiety. For example, petting a dog can make you feel calm and relaxed. This happens because interacting with animals can lower the levels of stress hormones in your body [6]. People who are feeling anxious or stressed can reduce these symptoms after spending time with a friendly animal.

Another benefit is that animal-assisted therapy can help improve your mood. Animals can make you feel happy just by being around them – a cat purring on your lap can bring great joy and comfort. This can be especially useful for anyone who is feeling sad or depressed. Animals have a way of making people smile and feel loved, which can lift their spirits.

Animal-assisted therapy can also help people who have trouble with social interactions. For example, children with autism might find it hard to talk to other people, but they might feel more comfortable talking to or playing with an animal. This can help them practice social skills in a safe and fun way. Similarly, older adults who feel lonely can enjoy the company of an animal, which can help them feel more connected to the world around them.

In addition to emotional benefits, animal-assisted therapy can promote physical health. For example, walking a dog can be good exercise for someone who needs to be more active. Horses are often used in therapy to help people improve their balance and coordination. Riding a horse requires strength and control, which can help people build their physical abilities.

Animal-assisted therapy can even support heart health. For some, regular interaction with animals improves cardiovascular health, helping to reduce stress and potentially lowering blood pressure over time.

Animals can also help people feel more motivated – someone in a rehab program might feel more motivated to stick with their treatment if they know they will get to spend time with a therapy dog. The dog can provide a sense of purpose and encouragement, making it easier for the person to stay committed to their recovery.

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Why Does Animal-Assisted Therapy Work?

Animal-assisted therapy works for many reasons. One of the main reasons is that animals make people feel safe and loved. When you spend time with a friendly animal, you feel accepted just the way you are. This can be very comforting, especially for people who are going through tough times.

Another reason is that animals help people relax. Petting an animal, like a dog or cat, can lower your heart rate and make you feel calmer. This is because your body releases a chemical called oxytocin [7] when you interact with animals. Oxytocin is often called the love hormone because it makes you feel happy and connected.

Animals also help people open up and talk about their feelings. Sometimes, it can be hard to talk to a therapist about what you’re going through. But when an animal is there, it can feel easier to share your thoughts. The animal provides a comforting presence that makes the therapy session feel less scary and more like a friendly chat.

In addition, animals can give immediate feedback and reactions. If you are feeling sad and a dog comes to sit by you, it shows that the dog senses your feelings and wants to comfort you. This immediate response can help you feel seen, understood, and supported.

Lastly, animals help people stay focused and engaged during therapy. Doing activities with animals, like grooming a horse or playing fetch with a dog, keeps you active and involved in the session. This hands-on approach can make therapy more enjoyable and effective, helping you make progress in your treatment.

Types of Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs

Animal-assisted therapy can involve many different types of animals. Each type of animal offers unique benefits and can help people in different ways. Here are some of the most common types of animal-assisted therapy and how they can help.

Dog Assisted Therapy

Dog-assisted therapy is one of the most popular forms of animal-assisted therapy. Dogs are known for their loyalty and friendly nature. In this type of therapy, trained therapy dogs [8] visit patients to provide comfort and support. For example, a therapy dog might visit a hospital to help cheer up patients who are feeling sad or anxious. The dog can sit with the patient, let them pet it, and even play games like fetch.

Dogs can also help people who are going through tough times, like recovering from addiction [9]. Having a dog around can make the therapy session feel more relaxed and less intimidating. The presence of a dog can help patients feel more comfortable talking about their feelings and experiences. Dogs are also great at sensing emotions and can provide instant comfort by just being there.

Cat Assisted Therapy

Cat-assisted therapy is another excellent option for animal-assisted therapy. Cats are known for their calm and soothing presence. They love to cuddle and purr, which can make people feel relaxed and happy. In this type of therapy, a therapy cat might visit nursing homes to spend time with elderly residents. The cat can sit on their laps, purr, and let them pet it, which can be very comforting.

Cats are also good for people who may not be as active. Their gentle nature makes them perfect for just sitting quietly with someone who needs a calm companion. Cats can help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, providing a sense of peace and contentment.

Pet Assisted Therapy

Pet assisted therapy can include a variety of animals, such as rabbits, birds, and even guinea pigs. These animals can be highly beneficial in different therapy settings. A rabbit might be used in therapy sessions with children, for example. The child can hold and pet the rabbit, which can help them feel more at ease and open up about their feelings.

Birds, like parrots, can also be part of pet assisted therapy. Their bright colors and cheerful songs can bring joy to people, especially those who are feeling down. Birds can help stimulate the mind and create excitement and interest.

Guinea pigs are small and easy to handle, making them great for therapy with younger children or people who might be afraid of larger animals. They can sit in a person’s lap and enjoy being petted, offering a gentle and soothing experience.

Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy can involve any of these animals and more. Horses are often used in therapy, especially for people with physical disabilities or emotional challenges. Riding and caring for a horse can help improve balance, coordination, and confidence. The bond that forms between the person and the horse can be very therapeutic.

Fish are also used in animal-assisted therapy. Watching fish swim in a tank can be very calming and help reduce stress. This can be particularly helpful for people who have high levels of anxiety or need a peaceful environment to relax.

Each type of animal-assisted therapy offers unique benefits and can be tailored to meet the needs of different individuals. Whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, or horse, animals can provide comfort, support, and healing in many ways.

Attend a Pet-Friendly Addiction Treatment & Rehab Center at Gratitude Lodge

If you’ve been searching for animal therapy near me or a pet-friendly rehab center, we can help you at Gratitude Lodge. We have inclusive and welcoming luxury facilities in Newport Beach and Long Beach, California, where you can bring your pet with you and engage in animal-assisted therapy.

During supervised detox at Gratitude Lodge, you can access medications and 24-hour care as you withdraw from drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications. You will then move into an ongoing treatment program at one of our rehabs by the beach.

All addictions and mental health conditions are unique, so you will get a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Talk therapy
• Motivational therapy
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Counseling
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Aftercare

Begin your recovery right away by calling  844-576-0144.

Sources

[1] https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/08/03/1190728554/dog-pet-mental-health-benefits

[2] https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/canine-corner/201006/florence-nightingale-the-dog-and-the-dream

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6843928/

[4] https://petpartners.org/changing-the-world-through-aai-the-history-of-pet-partners/

[5] https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm

[6] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190715114302.htm

[7] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-friend-who-keeps-you-young#:~:text=Research%20has%20shown%20that%20simply,that%20bonds%20mothers%20to%20babies).

[8] https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/akc-therapy-dog-program/

[9] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery