Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) involves animals as part of the treatment process to enhance a person's emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. It’s a unique and engaging approach to therapy, where animals work alongside a licensed therapist to help individuals tackle a variety of psychological, emotional, and physical challenges.
What makes AAT so powerful is the special bond that forms between humans and animals. Animals offer a non-judgmental, loving presence that can help people feel safe, relaxed, and more open during the therapeutic process. The presence of an animal can break down barriers that are sometimes difficult to overcome with just human interaction, especially for individuals who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, or other emotional distress.
How Animal-Assisted Therapy Works
In an AAT session, the therapist may use the animal to encourage specific therapeutic activities. This could include petting, playing with, or simply spending time with the animal to reduce stress, build trust, or work on specific therapeutic goals.
Goals of Animal-Assisted Therapy
The magic of AAT lies in the innate qualities that animals bring into the therapeutic process: Goals can vary based on the individual’s needs, but some of the primary objectives may be:
1. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Animals have a natural ability to support resourcing to safety, therefore reducing feelings of anxiety. The act of petting or interacting with an animal can trigger the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, which help lower stress levels and promote relaxation. For individuals with high anxiety or PTSD, AAT can provide a grounding, soothing experience that helps them feel more at ease.
2. Improve Emotion Regulation
Interacting with an animal can help individuals learn to regulate their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. For children or adults with emotion regulation difficulties, animals can serve as a calming presence, teaching them how to manage frustration, anger, or sadness. Animals don’t judge, so they provide an accepting space where people can express emotions without fear of criticism.
3. Enhance Social Skills
Animals can help individuals open up to others in social settings. For people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or social anxiety, animals provide a non-threatening companion that encourages positive social interactions. Petting or playing with an animal can break down social barriers and improve communication skills, as the individual learns how to interact with the animal and others.
4. Boost Self-Esteem and Confidence
For those struggling with self-esteem issues, working with an animal can offer a sense of achievement and companionship. Animals often respond positively to affection, which can create a sense of connection and boost a person’s self-worth.
5. Support Trauma Recovery
For individuals dealing with trauma or grief, animals offer an unconditional and empathetic presence that can aid in the healing process. Many people find it easier to express difficult emotions when an animal is present, as the animal’s silent companionship often feels less threatening than human interaction, particularly for those who have been traumatized.