What is Animal Assisted Therapy?
Animal Assisted Therapy is a therapeutic intervention used in collaboration with traditional talk therapy. This is an approach that incorporates animals into the therapeutic treatment plan. The animals, mostly dogs and horses, are specially trained to provide the ultimate comfort that enhances the benefits of traditional therapy. Having a furry friend in the session has many scientifically proven benefits, especially for individuals who suffer from PTSD or those who have experienced trauma.
Benefits
There are so many benefits of having a furry friend in session! For those of us who love animals, particularly dogs, it is quite clear why Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) seems to be magical. However, it is actually scientifically proven that AAT is actually an excellent addition to the treatment approach.
Research has found AAT can have a positive impact on a person’s overall health, including mental, emotional, and physical. Here are just a few of the common health benefits of having a gentle companion in session:
- Releases calming endorphins (oxytocin)
- Lifts spirits and lessens depression
- Provides comfort
- Decreases anxiety
- Encourages healthy communication
- Reduces loneliness
- Can improve social skills
- Diminishes overall physical pain
- Strengthens the bond between therapist and client
In addition to the mentioned benefits, the simple act of petting a dog has proven to release an automatic relaxation response. Because of this, clients have reported feeling calm enough to take a smaller dosage of their anti-anxiety/depressant medications, or stopping the medication all together (Guerin et al., 2005).
AAT + Trauma
Trauma can be defined as any event that causes significant distress. This event could have taken place years ago as a child or just yesterday as an adult. Trauma can range from bullying to sexual violence with varying symptoms and effects. Since trauma can look very different for everyone, it’s important to recognize the therapeutic treatment plan must be tailored to each person’s individual experience.
Incorporating Animal Assisted Therapy into the treatment plan has proven to decrease PTSD symptoms, as well as the overall effects of trauma. Most commonly, clients have reported “feeling safer” when an animal is in the room and that the idea of danger is no longer present. Even a gentle fluffball like Rogan can give the comfort of safety and stability, which can be a constant struggle when symptoms of flashbacks or recurring nightmares are an ongoing occurrence.
One main symptom of trauma can be feeling emotionally numb with difficulty making connections with others. Animals are a great way to help individuals make that healthy connection by sharing in a positive relationship. Dogs naturally release oxytocin which is a calming endorphin. This decreases major anxiety and allows the individual to feel more relaxed while engaging in therapy. Because of this, the bond between client and therapist is strengthened which is helpful in gaining trust and encourages the client to feel safer when processing traumatic memories (Guerin et al., 2005).
What to Expect with AAT?
Therapists incorporate their therapy dogs in many different ways. My approach is allowing Rogan as much flexibility in session as possible. He is a very curious pup and loves to get to know the clients. Rogan alternates from laying on a client’s lap to laying in his bed. Regardless, he is usually snoring. On occasion, we are able to take Rogan on a walk around the block. Fresh air can be a great way to minimize stress and for processing overwhelming thoughts so I like including this activity when the weather is appropriate. With this being said, the role of the therapy dog can certainly be discussed with the client as the treatment plan and goals are a collaborative approach.
References
Guerin, Noemie A., Kirkham, Allison C., & O’Haire, Marguerite E. (August 2015). Animal-Assisted Intervention for Trauma: A systematic literature review. Frontiers in Psychology, 6(1121). doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01121