Animal-assisted therapy

Therapiehund

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Therapeutic horseback riding 2

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. This type of therapy can be used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

History

The use of animals in therapy dates back to the 18th century. The earliest recorded use of animals in a therapeutic setting was at the York Retreat in England, where patients with mental illness were encouraged to interact with animals. In the 1960s, Dr. Boris Levinson, a child psychologist, discovered the benefits of using his dog, Jingles, in therapy sessions with children. This led to the formal recognition of AAT as a therapeutic practice.

Types of Animals Used

Various types of animals can be used in AAT, including:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Horses (often referred to as equine-assisted therapy)
• Rabbits
• Birds
• Guinea pigs

Stella at school.

Benefits

Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to provide numerous benefits, including:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood
• Enhanced social interaction
• Increased motivation for therapy
• Lowered blood pressure and heart rate

Applications

AAT can be applied in various fields, such as:

• Mental health: Used to treat conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Physical therapy: Helps patients recover from injuries or surgeries by encouraging movement and exercise.
• Education: Assists children with learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorder in improving their social and cognitive skills.
• Elder care: Provides companionship and emotional support to elderly individuals in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Training and Certification

Therapists who wish to incorporate AAT into their practice typically undergo specialized training and certification. Organizations such as Pet Partners and the American Kennel Club offer programs to certify therapy animals and their handlers.

Related Pages

• Therapy
• Mental health
• Physical therapy
• Equine-assisted therapy
• Pet therapy
• Occupational therapy

See Also

• Pet therapy
• Service animal
• Emotional support animal