Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is an intervention in which the human-animal bond is incorporated into the therapeutic process. AAT can be used in combination with a variety of other interventions based on the client’s needs. AAT may use interactions between the client and animal to reach specific, targeted goals. To name just a few of the benefits of AAT:
- Reduction in blood pressure,
- Reduction in heart rate,
- Regulation of hormones associated with stress, anxiety, and depression (cortisol, oxytocin, dopamine, etc.),
- Emotion recognition and regulation,
- Behavior recognition and regulation,
- Increased engagement,
- Reduction in loneliness,
- Ability to process grief/loss, and
- Increased ability to trust others,
- Trauma trigger relief during emotional processing.
When using AAT, the animal becomes an integral part of the treatment process. AAT is safest when practiced by a therapy team of a handler and animal. This includes a trained counselor and their therapy-trained canine. These teams are specially trained by a certified credentialing organization to work with mental health or other specific populations.
AAT can be incorporated into a variety of different fields, including psychotherapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. AAT is an effective intervention for people of all ages and abilities due to the variety of benefits that may occur.
If you or someone you know might benefit from using AAT, contact an Animal Assisted Therapy counselor at Orlando Thrive Therapy today to find out how to get started.
