- published: 22 Feb 2012
- views: 10398
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy that involves animals as a form of treatment. The goal of AAT is to improve a patient’s social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. Advocates state that animals can be useful for educational and motivational effectiveness for participants. A therapist who brings along a pet may be viewed as being less threatening, increasing the rapport between patient and therapist. Animals used in therapy include domesticated pets, farm animals and marine mammals (such as dolphins). The research literature states concerns about the poor quality of medical evidence underpinning AAT.
Wilson's (1984) biophilia hypothesis is based on the premise that our attachment to and interest in animals stems from the strong possibility that human survival was partly dependent on signals from animals in the environment indicating safety or threat. The biophilia hypothesis suggests that now, if we see animals at rest or in a peaceful state, this may signal to us safety, security and feelings of well-being which in turn may trigger a state where personal change and healing are possible
Short film exploring the benefits of animal-assisted therapy. Shot on location at Edison Community College.
Animal Assisted Therapy, also called pet therapy or animal therapy, can be useful in treating mental health and physical health issues. http://www.carrierclinic.org presents this video discussing the benefits of working with a therapy dog, therapy cat, or other therapy animals. Please click on Subscribe to stay up to date on upcoming videos! More about how to incorporate alternative treatments like pet therapy into a successful treatment plan can be found by visiting http://www.carrierclinic.org
Animals and children go together. Phoenix Children's Hospital's provides an Animal-Assisted Therapy Program to patients and their families for therapeutic purposes. Scientific research has shown that a patient's interaction with an animal can provide positive physical and emotional benefits. It can reduce stress levels and invoke a sense of well-being. Animal-assisted therapy acts as a catalyst to motivate patients to help themselves. A child will happily take a dog for a walk, or throw the animal a ball, forgetting the pain for a little while and moving closer to going home.
Incorporating the human-animal bond in a psychotherapy process is called Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). Working with a friendly and well-trained dog as co-therapist can facilitate a faster access to the emotional brain.
In study after study, animal-assisted therapy has proven to be a valid tool in helping children with autism and other developmental disabilities build a new sense of self-confidence. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to counteract isolation and facilitate socialization. In this 20-minute video, split up in 5 parts, one little boy builds a relationship with a therapy dog and learns about purpose and compassion. (Video 1 of 5.)
In study after study, animal-assisted therapy has proven to be a valid tool in helping children with autism and other developmental disabilities build a new sense of self-confidence. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to counteract isolation and facilitate socialization. In this 20-minute video, split up in 5 parts, one little boy builds a relationship with a therapy dog and learns about purpose and compassion. (Video 2 of 5.)
Animal assisted therapy (AAT) is a key component of the Lakeview Ranch model of specialized care for persons with dementia-related behavioral challenges. Numerous benefits from AAT have been documented at Lakeview Ranch, including increasing resident's social interaction and communication and reducing their agitation and anxiety levels. Introducing effective Animal Assisted therapy, however, requires consideration of a number of challenges -- including health issues, regulations, the attitude of staff members, program costs. In addition, as identified in the current study, there are important nuances to consider with regard to the type of animals and inter-species activities that are involved. The current study examines the lessons learned from ten years of providing animal assisted therap...
This organization works to create a safe, comfortable environment for people who have struggled with other forms of counseling and therapy. Experienced therapists work with clients by helping them experience and understand their feelings as they relate to horses, dogs, rabbits, cats, goats and more. AATPC also provides training to national and international therapists who are wanting to expand their practice and the people they serve.
Zahra's uses "Fluffy" a trained rabbit to prove one very important point - how animals can help with so many problems that humans face. From nervousness, to autism - animals have a lot more to offer than we think. Zahra is a Clinical Psychologist and Animal Assisted Therapist. She is involved in setting up and implementing various individual and group therapy programs incorporating the framework of Animal Assisted Therapy within the traditional forms of Therapy. Zahra started her career with Atmaviswas Vidalyaya, a residential rehabilitation centre for Mentally ill in Valsad, Gujarat, India as a senior residential psychologist. She was also one of the few lucky aspirants to be shortlisted as Teaching Fellow for Dekeyser and Friends foundation at Green Chimneys, New York. Zahra’s effort ...