Mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, are prevalent in our society, affecting millions of people worldwide. These conditions can have a profound impact on an individual's quality of life, making it difficult to function in daily activities. Traditionally, treatment options have included therapy, medication, and support groups, but there is a growing interest in alternative treatment methods, such as animal assisted therapy.
Animals have been used in therapy settings for centuries, but animal assisted therapy as a specific treatment modality has only recently been formally recognized. Animal assisted therapy is a type of therapy that involves the use of animals, such as dogs, horses, and even birds, as a tool to assist in the treatment of various mental health conditions.
What is animal assisted therapy?
Animal assisted therapy is defined as a type of therapy that involves the use of animals to support or complement the treatment of mental health conditions. It is different from service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. Animal assisted therapy is not used to treat a specific condition, but rather as a tool to enhance the overall treatment process.
The use of animals in therapy settings dates back to the ancient Egyptians who observed the calming effect of pets on those with mental illnesses, and since then the practice has evolved and grown. The human-animal bond has been studied extensively, and it has been suggested that the physical touch of animals, their presence and nonjudgmental nature can have a positive impact on mental health. Research has found that animal assisted therapy can improve a wide range of symptoms, including reducing stress and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, improving mood and self-esteem, and decreasing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
There are several different types of animal assisted therapy, including animal assisted activities, animal assisted therapy, and equine-assisted therapy. Animal assisted activities involve the use of animals in recreational or social activities, such as petting or walking a dog. Animal assisted therapy involves the use of animals as a therapeutic tool to help patients work through specific issues, such as anxiety or depression. Equine-assisted therapy, specifically, is a type of animal-assisted therapy that involves working with horses to improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social function.
Examples of animals used in animal assisted therapy include dogs, horses, cats, birds, and even farm animals. These animals are specially trained to interact with patients in a therapeutic setting, and are typically handled by a trained therapist or handler. These animals have been chosen specifically for their ability to be gentle, calm, and have a non-threatening presence, as well as their ability to be trained and handled with ease, making it possible for them to be effectively integrated into therapy sessions.
Research and Studies on animal assisted therapy
While research on the effectiveness of animal assisted therapy for mental health conditions is still in its early stages, studies have shown promising results. A meta-analysis of studies conducted on animal assisted therapy for depression found that the therapy had a significant positive effect on reducing symptoms (Souter & Miller, 2007). Additionally, animal assisted therapy has been found to help reduce anxiety, improve social functioning, and promote feelings of well-being. Furthermore, studies have shown that children and adolescents who participated in animal-assisted activities showed a significant reduction in symptoms of ADHD, and that children who had a positive interaction with animals displayed higher levels of empathy, self-esteem, and social competence (Schuck et al., 2015).
While the results of these studies are promising, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of animal assisted therapy. Additionally, there are limitations to the research that has been conducted, such as small sample sizes and lack of control groups. However, as the field of animal-assisted therapy continues to grow, so too will the research and studies surrounding it, providing a better understanding of its effectiveness and potential limitations.
How animal assisted therapy can be integrated into care
Animal assisted therapy can be integrated into care for patients with mental health conditions in a variety of ways. It can be used as a standalone treatment or as a supplement to traditional therapy and medication. It is important for therapists to consider the specific needs of each patient and determine how animal assisted therapy can best be incorporated into their treatment plan.
For example, for patients with a history of trauma, equine-assisted therapy might be especially beneficial because it allows for a sense of empowerment and control, as well as providing an opportunity to build trust and form a therapeutic bond with the animal. Similarly, for patients with social anxiety, dog assisted therapy may be a good option as it provides an opportunity to practice social skills in a non-threatening and supportive environment.
It is also important to note that while animal assisted therapy can be beneficial, it should never be used as a replacement for professional care. A therapist should always be present during the therapy sessions to provide guidance and support, and to ensure the safety of both the patient and the animal.
Fur-ever Healing: Wrapping it up
Animal assisted therapy has the potential to be an effective treatment option for mental health conditions, but more research is needed to fully evaluate its effectiveness. It is important to note that while animal assisted therapy can be beneficial, it should always be used in conjunction with traditional therapy and medication and under the guidance of a professional therapist. However, as more research is conducted and the field of animal assisted therapy continues to grow, it will likely become an increasingly important part of the mental health treatment toolkit, helping to improve the quality of life for millions of people.
References
Schuck, S. E., Emmerson, N. A., Fine, A. H., & Lakes, K. D. (2015). Canine-assisted therapy for children with ADHD: preliminary findings from the positive assertive cooperative kids study. Journal of Attention Disorders, 19(2), 125-137. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054713502080
Souter, M. A., & Miller, M. D. (2007). Do animal-assisted activities effectively treat depression: a meta-analysis. Anthrozoos, 20(2), 167-180. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK74080/
Nimer, J., & Lundahl, B. (2007). Animal-assisted therapy: a meta-analysis. International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 37(3), 125-141. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279307X224773
McAllister Psychiatric Services, LLC is a telehealth mental health clinic based in Columbus, OH. We specialize in providing mental health services to children and adults all over the state of Ohio. Our team of highly trained and experienced mental health professionals offer a wide range of evidence-based treatments, including medication management and psychotherapy. We believe in a holistic approach to treatment and are committed to providing the highest level of care and support to our clients. We understand that accessing traditional in-person care can be difficult, which is why we offer virtual therapy and medication management through telehealth services. Our state-of-the-art technology ensures that anyone in need can receive the mental health care they need, regardless of their location. Our mission is to make mental health care accessible and convenient for everyone.
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