Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) integrates animals into treatment plans to aid in physical and mental health recovery. AAT employs various animals like dogs, horses, cats, and birds, tailored to individual patient needs and goals. This article explores AAT’s efficacy across a wide range of conditions and its profound benefits on patients’ well-being and health outcomes.
AAT is a dynamic therapeutic intervention used to alleviate conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Its benefits include mood improvement, stress reduction, and even decreased reliance on pain medication post-surgery. This article delves into the diverse applications of AAT in settings like hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes, highlighting the vital preparations needed to ensure safe and effective interaction between animals and patients.
Animal-assisted therapy, also known as AAT or pet therapy, is a therapeutic intervention that incorporates animals into the treatment plan. AAT is designed to aid people in recovering from both physical and mental health conditions, with the therapy form varying based on the patient, the animal, and the treatment goals. It complements traditional therapy, offering comfort, reducing anxiety, and motivating patients. AAT is particularly helpful for those who struggle to connect with others..
AAT can assist with a broad spectrum of conditions, including Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety, Sexual abuse victims, Dementia, Autism, and Pain. It can enhance many aspects of a patient’s life, such as improving their overall mood, reducing feelings of isolation, and improving strength and flexibility.
Some benefits of AAT include reducing high blood pressure through petting a cat, improving mood through horse riding, and decreasing the need for pain medication by as much as 50% in people recovering from surgery through interaction with dogs. AAT can also decrease stress hormone cortisol, increase beneficial hormone levels like oxytocin and dopamine, and provide a feeling of companionship and acceptance.
AAT can be utilized in various facilities, including hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes. Before animals start working with patients, they should undergo temperament testing, receive a complete veterinary screening, and undergo obedience training.
Before animals are used in AAT, they should be temperament tested, given a complete veterinary screening, and receive obedience training. These preparations ensure that the animals are safe and suitable for interaction with patients.
Britney Elyse has over 15 years experience in mental health and addiction treatment. Britney completed her undergraduate work at San Francisco State University and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. Britney worked in the music industry for several years prior to discovering her calling as a therapist. Britney’s background in music management, gave her first hand experience working with musicians impacted by addiction. Britney specializes in treating trauma using Somatic Experiencing and evidence based practices. Britney’s work begins with forming a strong therapeutic alliance to gain trust and promote change. Britney has given many presentations on somatic therapy in the treatment setting to increase awareness and decrease the stigma of mental health issues. A few years ago, Britney moved into the role of Clinical Director and found her passion in supervising the clinical team. Britney’s unique approach to client care, allows us to access and heal, our most severe cases with compassion and love. Prior to join the Carrara team, Britney was the Clinical Director of a premier luxury treatment facility with 6 residential houses and an outpatient program