We are a society of pet lovers. But, in healthcare, we have now moved beyond the incorporation of animals in our homes and worlds as pets, and into the modality of pets as paratherapists. Animals of all varieties are now being integrated into the treatment room (though sometimes the “room” is out of doors!).
While much of the research on animal assisted therapy is qualitative and full of personal description, researchers are now beginning to study the use of animals in a quantitative manner. Research with animals as psychotherapy assistants suggests that humans show signs of reduced stress, fear and anxiety, and increased calmness and comfort when the right animal is present. Animal assisted therapy, as a complementary therapy, has been beneficial to both children and adults in individual and group settings.
Myths and facts about the integration of animals into the psychotherapeutic environment:
Myth: A cat can never attend a psychotherapy session.
Myth: Therapy always takes place in an office, unless you are doing a wilderness adventure program.
Myth: A client’s pet is an appropriate animal to bring into sessions.
Myth: Animal assisted therapy only happens when an animal is brought into a hospital or home for elders.
Myth: Animals can’t possibly have an impact on a client during a session.
Myth: Animal assisted therapy is a relatively new idea.
Myth: Animals know what you are thinking
Animal Assisted Psychotherapy and Other Related Online Courses: