Author: Gary Jackson

Does Animal-Assisted Therapy Work? The Pet-Human Bond

The animal, in this sense, works as an anchor to keep us safe at harbor while exploring stormy seas. Many people consider their pets to be family members, and research shows that the human–animal bond is a therapeutically powerful relationship. The mental health benefits of animal-assisted therapy for kids go even further. A therapy animal provides a safe topic of conversation to kick start the connection between therapist and client.

The most common type of animal used for animal therapy is a dog but other animals can be a therapy animal, too. Some types of animals are used more often because they’re compatibile with services provided. However, people who are afraid of animals or who don’t like them may not be a good fit for animal therapy. The experience could cause additional stress that outweighs the potential benefits. There are many benefits of animal therapy that go well beyond feelings of comfort and emotional support.

An Introduction to Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy

Because there aren’t specific tasks they need to learn, more types of animals can participate in animal-assisted therapy. Some people going through rehabilitation for a drug use disorder may also respond well and have a greater sense of well-being when working with an animal. Animal therapy partially uses this bond in a directed way to achieve the goals of the therapy. As far as job outlook goes, the field of recreational therapy is expected to grow an average of 10 percent through the year 2030, with the addition of around 2,200 new jobs. Most professionals who hold these positions possess the minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

• This is another outstanding book that describes the ways to implement AAT in direct psychotherapy practice.
• Other pets like fish and bearded dragons are also included in some variations of pet therapy, and studies show they’re equally beneficial for the patients.
• The first is that most of the clinical trials on the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy are so methodologically flawed that their conclusions cannot be trusted.
• The Mayo Clinic has the Caring Canines program, for example, that allows therapy dogs to make visits to various hospital departments.
• The tactile stimulation involved in petting an animal reflects a child’s need for a transitional object, such as a baby blanket, that provides a tactile sense of security (Winnicott, 1953).

The first is that the welfare of the therapy animal should always be of primary concern (Chandler, 2017; Compitus, 2019; Fine, 2019b; VanFleet & Faa-Thompson, 2017). The tactile stimulation involved in petting an animal reflects a child’s need for a transitional object, such as a baby blanket, that provides a tactile sense of security (Winnicott, 1953). In addition, the release of endorphins such as oxytocin may increase the client’s sense of wellbeing, which in turn, could allow them to open up to the therapeutic process.

There’s no singular nor standardized approach to animal-assisted therapy

Sessions can range in price from $100 to over $300, depending on what the session entails and who’s in charge. You may be able to get a lower rate if you’re willing to work with a clinical intern rather than a licensed therapist. Research from 2016 pinpoints the therapeutic bond as being one of the most important factors in therapy success. Eligibility depends on the care setting and the condition of the person to receive the therapy. Animal therapy has many favorable outcomes, including relaxation, talk therapy breakthroughs, relief of symptoms, and overall improved well-being.

A child who is struggling to read may feel more comfortable reading aloud to a therapy animal than in front of other children or adults. AAE programs appear to be quite successful, and some studies even show that university students score higher on standardized tests when a therapy animal is in the room (Compitus, 2021b). Animal-assisted activities are also commonly found in the prison system, where several AAA programs provide a therapeutic benefit to incarcerated individuals. Animal-assisted activities (AAA) are designed to enhance the wellbeing of humans but do not have to be conducted by a mental health professional. We most often see AAA in hospitals, when an animal comes for a friendly visit with patients.

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Although dogs are the species of animal most often working with us in therapy, there is a great deal of reported success with equine (horse) therapy. In object-relations theory, we think of the psyche in relation to others in the childhood environment and of how those early relationships affect the client today. It postulates that the need for attachment is the foundational process of the formation of the self and our personality. This suggests that AAT will work for all clients but may be especially helpful for those who have disorganized attachment styles, since they often have lower levels of oxytocin in their systems (Compitus, 2021a). The increase in oxytocin that happens during AAT suggests that there is a biological justification for AAT as a treatment model (Compitus, 2021b).

• However, people who are afraid of animals or who don’t like them may not be a good fit for animal therapy.
• Additionally, therapy animals that visit hospitals and other long-term facilities may be carriers of certain infections or diseases.
• Animal-assisted activities (AAA) are designed to enhance the wellbeing of humans but do not have to be conducted by a mental health professional.

If you’ve ever felt comforted by your family pet, you’ve had a glimpse into the benefits of animal-assisted therapy. Studies suggest that people who pet animals experience the release of serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin hormones that can play a part in elevating moods. Some people may be allergic to the animals that commonly play a role in therapy. Many people are allergic to the dander from a dog’s shedding, for example. For these individuals, animal therapy with a dog could cause far more harm than good.

I also suggest that clinicians take continuing education classes in order to learn more about this field. Animal-assisted interaction is the parent term for any interaction that a human may have with an animal in a way that enhances the wellbeing of both. Therapists should keep progress notes and periodically evaluate the treatment plan. Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today. Keep reading to learn more, including how it works, who it may benefit, and more.