{"id":187732,"date":"2021-08-13T11:45:36","date_gmt":"2021-08-13T01:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petcloud.com.au\/d\/?p=187732"},"modified":"2023-12-11T14:25:33","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T04:25:33","slug":"animal-assisted-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petcloud.com.au\/d\/blog\/animal-assisted-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Animal Assisted Therapy in Australia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is Animal Assisted Therapy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), also known as Pet Therapy is an alternative or complementary type of therapy that includes the use of animals in a psychotherapy treatment based upon building a bond with an animal through interaction and play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does Animal Assisted therapy work?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may involve observation, or instructional sessions, or an animal being present to help a Client open up and talk through history or challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is an in-depth trained professional process rather than just spending time with an animal, and should follow a Therapist\u2019s treatment plan and a set of goals as determined by an experienced Professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Example of Animal Assisted Therapy with Trauma Clients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A dog\u2019s presence alone is of benefit and comfort to a client with significant trauma history. They may have problems with self-worth and confidence and may be currently depressed. They may often look drawn and tired and walk with hunched shoulders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Having a dog greet them with tail-wagging and a happy bounce may cause the client\u2019s face to light up and they may walk taller. The client may look lighter and more relaxed than at any other time and may love to sit with a dog on their lap while in a therapy session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Example of Animal Assisted Therapy with Autistic Clients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A young child with low-functioning autism who has severe expressive language and anxiety issues may find it very hard when visiting new places and extremely hard separating from their mother. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may meet a dog in their first therapy session and quickly decide that wherever the dog is going, they want to go too.  This can make the transition to the therapy room easier and the dog may now provide an indirect way for the child client to communicate, as well as serving as a role model for; appropriate boundary setting, emotional regulation and social skills development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Spending some time showing the child client on how to correct the dog for getting too \u201cup close and personal\u201d (i.e., Rover licking) without them getting frustrated and losing their temper, or even needing to use verbal language. This may translate into improved responses in the child’s interactions with other children at school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It may involve helping a child to follow instructions and pass them on (via trick training), working on emotional identification or empathy development (\u201cHow do you think Rover is feeling right now?\u201d or \u201cHow do you think Rover would feel if\u2026\u201d) or social skills and sharing via a human versus canine version of Simon Says\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At other times observing a child client interact with the dog may give a Therapist valuable information for a clinical assessment, diagnosis and\/or treatment, e.g., a young boy who teases 1 dog but who is incredibly gentle and affectionate with another dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Example of Animal Assisted Therapy with<\/strong> Esteem & Attachment Clients <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Observing a teenage girl with esteem and attachment issues may not understand why a dog likes her and wants pats from her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What types of animals are included in Animal Animal Assisted Therapy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Dogs (Canine Assisted Therapy)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Cats (Feline Assisted Therapy)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Horses (known as Equine Assisted Therapy)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Fish<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Guinea pigs <\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Dolphins<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the benefits of animal assisted therapy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By interacting with animals, getting cuddles, affection, with a friendly pet at a time when someone cannot handle very much interaction from other humans due to illness, pain, trauma, or depression can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins that produce a calming effect and helps reduce loneliness stress and can build trust and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal-assisted therapy can also act as a catalyst to motivate patients to help themselves. An injured child undergoing rehabilitation may 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 from hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Who should consider animal assisted therapy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

AAT is suitable for both adults and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n