Research has shown that animal assisted therapy can have significant outcomes. Animals who are properly trained can not only aid in the healing of physical issues, but also improve mental health, which has direct correlation to the overall wellbeing of individuals. Having a Therapy Dog in session is intentional and results in many added benefits, although is appropriate only when an individual is consenting to have a Therapy Dog in session.
At Embark Counseling Services, Teresa introduced Animal Assisted Therapy with Molly Rose (2016-2023), who was adored by all of her clients, and enjoyed her work. Embark now has Rafi who is a Therapy Dog in Training, and two other staff members are preparing for also training their dog for this specialized therapy.
Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy
Supporting Emotional Needs
People who experience anxiety or depression symptoms benefit from the presence of a therapy dog in sessions. Interacting with therapy dogs has shown a decrease in cortisol, a stress hormone, which promotes the body’s natural release of the stress reduction hormone, oxytocin. This hormone is not only important in the parent-child relationship (attachment formation), but research has shown that oxytocin also promotes emotional connection, physical contact and companionship, including relaxation when interacting, in both the human and in the animal! The physical health improvements that result from this connection can include: decreasing blood pressure, improving sensory regulation, support in easing pain and discomfort, and small and large motor movements.
Enhancing Social Connectedness
People who are lonely or isolated, or people who struggle with peer or social engagements benefit from animal assisted therapy to improve self-esteem, improve emotional regulation, reduce intense emotional feelings, such as anxiety and depression, and provide opportunities for enhanced social interactions. Therapy Dogs are specifically trained to mimic human cues, provide empathic support and overall emotional growth. Dopamine, a chemical that is important in helping us experience pleasure, is released in the brain after interacting with a Therapy Dog. Sometimes, individuals learn to believe in themselves again and explore strengths to improve their overall functioning, as well!
Animal Assisted Play Therapy
Children usually love animals! Whether it is a stuffed animal, your pet at home, or an animal they see at the store or in a park, they are naturally drawn to animals. The research even shows that animals are very important to most children. The primary goal of having a Therapy Dog participate in the Play Therapy process is to improve the individual’s developmental and psychosocial health, as well as the animal’s wellbeing. Play is an integral part of the interactions and is appropriate both for the child or teen and the Therapy Dog. The 5 major goal areas of AAPT that can occur simultaneously throughout the therapeutic process are:
- Self-Efficacy
- Attachment/Relationship
- Empathy
- Self-Regulation
- Problem-Solving
Therapy Dogs must have a temperament and the training to be active and playful, as well as quiet and docile, like laying in the room quietly when a child chooses to play with other items, and the ability to participate in meaningful and specific ways when the child asks. This can include following a child’s lead and directions in the various play forms in the playroom (dress up, building toys, role play), hide and seek, limit setting (self-control and regulation), and other play-based interventions that will highlight pro-social interactions for the child.
Our Therapy Dog Handlers are specifically trained to pay attention to the needs and behaviors of the dog while integrating the added interactions within the play therapy approach. Each handler also completes competency requirements before allowing a Therapy Dog in session.
Sources:
Fung, S.C. (2014). Effect of Animal Assisted Play Therapy on Facilitating Social Behavior for Children with Autism: A Preliminary Comparison Study. Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin, (2), 40-59.
Somerville, J.W., Swanson, A., Robertson, R., Arnet, M. (2009). Handling a Dog by Children with Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Calming or Exciting? North American Journal of Psychology 11(1):111-119.
VanFleet, R., Faa-Thompson, T. (2010). The Case for Using Animal Assisted Play Therapy. British Journal of Play Therapy, (6), 4-18.
