Animal-assisted therapy improves patients’ mental, physical, social and emotional functioning with the aid of animals. Depending on the needs of the patient, many different animals can be used in therapy, including horses (also called equine-assisted therapy), dogs (also called canine-assisted therapy), dolphins, llamas, rabbits and other animals.
Animal-assisted therapy takes place in a variety of settings, including prisons, hospitals, nursing homes, therapeutic boarding schools for teens and mental health facilities. This form of treatment can take place individually or in groups, and is led by a qualified therapist or professional with specialized expertise.
Much more than simply spending time with an animal, animal-assisted therapy involves specific therapeutic goals, strategies and outcomes measures. Therapeutic experiences can include walking, brushing, petting and caring for an animal, as well as processing the experience of trying to achieve a given task.
Pet Therapy For Holistic Well Being
Pet therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. Known to have originated as early as the 18th century in England’s York Retreat, the therapy encouraged emotionally unstable patients to walk around the grounds that contained a number of pet animals. These domestic animals proved to act as a positive therapy for the indiviuals and helped to boost their morale and feelings of well being.
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The definition of pet therapy has evolved over time. Modern day pet therapy, also referred to as animal assisted therapy (AAT), aims to help people who are suffering from physical, mental or emotional problems. The animals are specifically chosen to suit the individuals specific therapeutic needs and goals.
Equine Therapy for the Benefit of Human Health
Physical Therapists work with clients doing equine-assisted therapy at the CSU Equine Center. October 15, 2014
Equine therapy is gaining popularity as a form of AAT for a good number of reasons. The ability of horses to establish an emotional connection with patients, helps the individuals to feel more positive about life, in the most difficult of times. Horses are known to respond to patients in unique ways, including mimicking their emotions and even syncing their heartbeat to the person close to them.
Horse riding can bring out a sense of confidence and accomplishment, thereby significantly reducing a patient’s anxieties regarding their condition. The presence of a horse in itself has a soothing effect and brings about a spiritual and holistic change in the lives of the patients.
Equine Therapy For Cancer Patients
After intense treatments like targeted therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, cancer patients and cancer survivors can experience an extremely low phase. This can make them feel disinterested in social interactions, physical activities or in life itself. There can be a decline in spiritual and psychological well being, and patients can sometimes feel unable to cope with daily life.
Equine therapy can help a cancer patient overcome these feelings, by encouraging a feeling of confidence and a sense of self worth and perspective in their life. With regular contact with an equine therapist and a horse, patients feel a sense of empowerment and encourages them to socialize and feel confident to be around other people.
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Engaging with horse, or therapeutic animals in general, can bring out a strong sense of courage in a person, regardless of what they have been through. Recuperating from an illness with a sense of empowerment and having undergone a complete inner transformation spiritually and emotionally, make the lives of the patient serene and peaceful.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY?
There is a strong bond between animals and people. Animals are accepting, non-threatening and non-judgmental, making it easier for people to open up. Some of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy include:
- Improved fine motor skills
- Improved balance
- Increased focus and attention
- Increased self-esteem and ability to care for oneself
- Reduced anxiety, grief and isolation
- Reduced blood pressure, depression, and risk of heart attack or stroke
- Improved willingness to be involved in a therapeutic program or group activity
- Increased trust, empathy and teamwork
- Greater self-control
- Enhanced problem-solving skills
- Reduced need for medication
- Improved social skills
Because many children, teens and adults enjoy working with animals, animal-assisted therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are resistant to treatment or have difficulty accessing their emotions or expressing themselves in talk therapy.
WHAT CONDITIONS/DISORDERS DOES ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY TREAT?
People with a variety of conditions can benefit from animal-assisted therapy, including:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Addiction
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Dementia
- Developmental disorders
- Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia
- Emotional and behavioral disorders
- Chronic pain
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