Improving health with Pet Therapy

Pet therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. The purpose of pet therapy is to help one recover from or cope with a health problem or mental disorder. Pet Therapy is also beneficial in stress management and controlling anxiety.

Dogs and cats are most commonly used in pet therapy. However, fish, guinea pigs, horses, and other animals that meet screening criteria can also be used. The type of animal chosen depends on the therapeutic goals of a person’s treatment plan. At Lifeologie Counseling Oak Cliff you’ll frequently find Gracie, our therapy dog, wandering around ready to help.

Pet therapy may also be referred to as animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is sometimes confused with animal-assisted activities (AAA). AAT is a formal, structured set of sessions that helps people reach specific goals in their treatment. AAA involves more casual meetings in which an animal and its handler interact with one or more people for comfort or recreation.

Benefits Of Pet Therapy

Pet therapy builds on the pre-existing human-animal bond. Interacting with a friendly pet can help many physical and mental issues. It can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall psychological state.

Pet therapy can be used in many different ways. Defined objectives are an important part of therapy, and your progress will be recorded and tracked at structured sessions.

Other benefits of pet therapy may include:

• making you happier, lessening depression, and improving your outlook on life
• decreasing loneliness and isolation by giving you a companion
• reducing boredom
• reducing anxiety because of its calming effects
• helping children learn empathic and nurturing skills
• improving the relationship between you and your healthcare provider

Goals of Pet Therapy

• improving motor skills and joint movement
• improving assisted or independent movement
• increasing self-esteem
• increasing verbal communication
• developing social skills
• increasing willingness to join in activities
• improving interactions with others
• motivating willingness to exercise

If you think you or a loved one may benefit from Pet Therapy, please contact us to schedule a session.