Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) Information and FAQs
The animals used in a therpeutic setting are often the personal pets of the
professional; I did extensive research on breeds and selected a Coton de
Tuléar specifically to be my co-therapist. I chose Bella for her
breed's known tendency to be gentle, friendly, alert, intelligent, playful,
hypoallergenic, and sweet-natured. How could I not choose a breed to help me
in therapy that in France (the breed's country of origin) is refered to the
"anti-stress dog"?
Bella's Qualifications and Certifications
Bella and I have passed the Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado test and
are a registered team with them. Bella is also an American Kennel Club
certified Canine Good Citizen. While we have passed these two tests, Bella
continues to have some social anxiety when meeting new people; she may
initially run away, bark a couple of times or grumble. With some time (about
1-2 sessions), Bella is very much a social dog.
What is AAT?
AAT, as defined by Pet Partners (formerly,
Delta Society), is "a goal-directed intervention directed and/or delivered
by a health/human ser vice professional with specialized expertise, and
within the scope of practice of his/her profession. AAT is designed to
promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive
functioning." The animals are present to help facilitate progress toward's
each client's goals.
Why use animals in therapy?
Rear ch has shown that animals can have an incredible influence on the
emotional and physical healing of people. The presence or interaction
with animals can:
- lower anxiety, stress and blood pressure
- teach caring and gentleness to children
- enhance self esteem
- help children with autism develop more prosocial behavior
- help develop attachment related receptivity
- help develop healthy boundaries
- reduce loneliness
- help increase emotional awareness and regulation
- help improve assertiveness
- help children to be more open and receptive
- facilitate rapport with children and teenagers leading to increased disclosure
- diminish emotional and physical pain in seniors
- help to draw attention outward, thus mitigating anxiety, anger and depression
What do sessions with Bella look like?
In some cases the therapy will look much the same except Bella will be
present in the room. Sometimes just the presence of an animal creates and
facilitates an environment that is conducive to the counseling process. In
other cases I will design specific interventions where the client and Bella
are interacting in some way in order to meet a specific therapeutic goal.
This happens more often when the client is a child; during these sessions,
there is typically more interaction with Bella.
For further information:
Pet Partners (formerly, Delta Society) -
www.deltasociety.org ,
www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx
health.usnews.com/health-news/managing-your-healthcare/treatment/articles/2011/12/27/the-new-face-of-pet-therapy