How Are Pets Used In Animal-assisted Therapy For Mental Health

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) leverages the presence of animals to support and enhance traditional therapeutic interventions for mental health.
In our previous article, we discussed how animals can be more than just companions. Here are ways in which pets are used in animal-assisted therapy:

Animal Assisted Therapy:

1. Emotional Support: Pets, often dogs or cats, provide unconditional love and companionship. Their presence can help individuals feel more at ease, reduce anxiety, and create a comforting environment during therapy sessions.

2. Social Interaction: Animals can act as social catalysts, facilitating interaction between individuals. Therapists may incorporate animals into group sessions, encouraging communication and teamwork among participants.

3. Mood Enhancement: Interactions with animals stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and positive emotions. This can contribute to an improved mood and decreased feelings of loneliness or depression.

4. Stress Reduction: The calming effect of petting or interacting with animals can lower stress levels. This is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, or PTSD, as it provides a non-verbal way to cope with emotions.

5. Encouraging Physical Activity: Some animal-assisted therapy involves activities like walking or playing with dogs. This not only promotes physical exercise but also encourages a sense of responsibility and routine, which can be beneficial for individuals with mental health challenges.

6. Building Trust and Rapport: The non-judgmental nature of animals helps build trust between the therapist and the individual. This trust can be crucial in therapy, enabling the person to open up and engage more fully in the therapeutic process.

7. Setting Goals and Responsibilities: Caring for a therapy animal may involve setting and achieving goals, and fostering a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. This structured interaction can be especially helpful for individuals struggling with motivation or self-esteem.

8. Sensory Stimulation: Interacting with animals provides various sensory experiences, including tactile stimulation through petting, auditory stimulation through animal sounds, and olfactory stimulation. This multisensory engagement can be therapeutic for individuals with sensory processing issues.

9. Mindfulness and Presence: Focusing on the present moment, a key component of mindfulness, is often easier when interacting with animals. Engaging with a pet can help individuals become more aware of their emotions and surroundings.

Animal-assisted therapy is a versatile approach used by mental health professionals to address a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and autism. The unique bond between humans and animals enhances the therapeutic process, making it a valuable adjunct to conventional mental health treatments.

What does an animal-assisted therapy session look like?

An animal-assisted therapy (AAT) session is designed to incorporate animals into the therapeutic process to address specific mental health goals. While sessions can vary based on individual needs and the therapist’s approach, here’s a general overview of how an AAT session might look:

1. Introduction and Establishing Rapport:
The therapist introduces the animal, whether it’s a dog, cat, horse, or another appropriate animal.
Participants are encouraged to observe the animal and become acquainted with it, helping to establish a sense of trust and comfort.

2. Goal Setting:
The therapist works with the individual or group to identify specific therapeutic goals for the session.
Goals may relate to improving social skills, reducing anxiety, enhancing emotional regulation, or addressing specific mental health challenges.

3. Interactive Activities:
Tailored activities are introduced to engage participants with the therapy animal. This could include petting, grooming, or playing with the animal.
Activities may be designed to address specific therapeutic objectives, such as building trust, improving communication, or promoting relaxation.

4. Expression of Emotions:
Interacting with the animal can provide a non-verbal outlet for expressing emotions. Clients may project their feelings onto the animal, making it easier to explore and discuss challenging emotions.

5. Observation and Reflection:
Participants observe the animal’s behavior and characteristics. The therapist may guide discussions around how these observations relate to the individuals’ own experiences and emotions.

6. Building Empathy:
Engaging with animals fosters empathy. Participants may be encouraged to consider the animal’s needs, emotions, and perspective, promoting a deeper understanding of empathy in interpersonal relationships.

7. Skill Building:
Therapists use the animal as a therapeutic tool to develop specific skills. For instance, walking a therapy dog may encourage physical activity and routine, contributing to improved mental health.

Closure and Reflection: 

The session concludes with a discussion about the experiences and insights gained during the AAT. Therapists may encourage individuals to reflect on how the session can be applied to their daily lives and ongoing therapeutic journeys.
It’s important to note that AAT sessions are conducted by licensed therapists or mental health professionals with specialized training in incorporating animals into therapy. The type of animal used, the activities involved, and the therapeutic goals are all tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Wondering if animal-assisted therapy can be used even if someone is afraid of animals? 

– Urveez Kakalia.