Animals have the ability to form strong connections with humans and vice versa, sometimes referred to as the Human-Animal bond. A growing awareness of how helpful this bond can be in a therapeutic context has led to the establishment of AAT programmes across the country. Treatment plans are usually client-centred and designed to achieve specific therapeutic goals.
Animals that meet certain criteria are selected by suitably qualified professionals and these become an integral part of the treatment process. Animals and programmes are fully risk assessed, carefully monitored and progress may be measured and recorded.
Many different types of animal may be included in AAT programmes, including fish and birds, but I work mainly with guinea pigs, cats, dogs, chickens, pigs and horses. I follow accepted guidelines to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of clients and animals. The activities involved depend on client preferences and needs as well as the treatment plan but can include watching, touching, stroking, grooming, washing, feeding or generally caring for the animal. Some clients also enjoy collecting eggs, lead walking dogs or helping to train the Kune Kune pigs.
Why choose AAT?
Animals offer affection and unconditional acceptance. They are responsive, live in the ‘here and now’ and don’t mind who you are or what you look like. They are usually direct and honest and unlike humans they are non-judgemental. Animals don’t criticise, hold grudges, change the rules or otherwise confuse through verbal communications. In fact some clients actually feel safer and less threatened around animals. Being with animals can encourage our nurturing and empathic traits and, for survivors of abuse, offers an opportunity for 'safe touch'.
Benefits of positive interactions between people and animals are likely to include:
- Development of relationships and emotional bonds built on trust and respect
- Improved mood, morale and sense of self worth
- Better social interaction, reducing feelings of social isolation
- Relief from anxiety and stress (slower heart rate and lower blood pressure)
- Learning new skills - nurturing and caring for animals appropriately
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When can AAT help?
AAT aims to promote mental, physical and social well-being. Many people can benefit from this intervention and it is currently being used in a variety of settings including hospitals, special schools and colleges, prisons, residential care and in counselling practises.
Studies suggest that it is particularly effective for vulnerable people including those with emotional and behavioural problems. Animals offer practitioners another way of exploring difficult and sensitive issues as clients may find it easier to project their feelings and painful experiences. Working alongside animals, who are non-judgemental, may also encourage clients to express their emotions more freely.
Where clients are suffering from depression, research indicates benefits such as focus of interest and positive attention, as well as pleasure in handling animals. Time spent stroking and talking to dogs can result in lowering blood pressure, relieving pain, reducing anxiety levels and enhanced mood.
Animals have the ability to form strong connections with humans and vice versa, sometimes referred to as the Human-Animal bond. A growing awareness of how helpful this bond can be in a therapeutic context has led to the establishment of AAT programmes across the country. Treatment plans are usually client-centred and designed to achieve specific therapeutic goals.