Our animal assisted therapy incorporates animals such as dogs (canine assisted therapy) into a therapeutic treatment plan. Animals may be used in various forms of psychological and counselling therapy and can function by reducing the stress and/or anxiety of the patient. For those with an affinity for animals, it can make a nerve-wracking experience easier to manage, while for those who have experienced trauma or are unable to verbalize emotions, working with animals can provide a source of confidence and confidentiality. Exploring the various types of animal-assisted therapies opens new ways of helping people deal with health disorders that can lead to more positive outcomes and longer-term recovery.
Animal assisted therapy is a scientifically proven form of therapy that is recognised as therapeutic and recreational.
- Reduction in blood pressure
- Increase in endorphins.
- Decrease in stress hormones like cortisol.
- Animals give unconditional love.
- Planned animal visits give clients something to look forward to.
- Animals are a form of entertainment.
The calming effect of having an animal present during therapy often helps people feel more comfortable communicating about emotions and concerns that may be embarrassing or upsetting.
Relationship tools that people learn through canine therapy can be transferred to human relationships, helping patients rebuild self-care, emotional regulation, and social networks.
