What Is Pet Therapy?
Although animals have been used for centuries to help humans heal, it wasn’t until the 1900s that pet therapy first became documented in the United States as a way to help improve the treatment outcomes of patients. Since then, there has been growing scientific research that proves the efficacy of using animals to help alleviate physical and mental health symptoms.
Pet therapy can be offered in a variety of settings, including schools, mental health facilities, hospitals, and hospice centers. Cats and dogs are two of the most common types of animals used; however, rabbits, horses, dolphins, birds, and guinea pigs can also be used.
What are the benefits of Pet Therapy?
Pet Therapy Improves Mental Health
Pet Therapy can help:
- Increase communication
- Strengthen rapport between patient and provider
- Increase patient satisfaction
- Improve ability to cope with injury or illness
As well as a decrease:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Loneliness
Pet Therapy for Adults, Children, and Adolescents
Everyone can benefit from pet therapy. This creative practice can be used in combination with psychotherapy to treat the following issues:
- Family and Relationship Problems
- Grief and Loss
- Personal Fulfillment
- Self Esteem
- Trama
- Addiction
- Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Cancer
- Chronic Illness
- PTSD
Pet Therapy in the Stone Ridge, VA
At the Wellness Connection, pet therapy is facilitated by a licensed mental health clinician. For some clients, this may be the first time they pursue mental health treatment. The clinician will use the presence of a trained therapy dog to help patients feel more comfortable and identify what they would like to work on in treatment.
For more information about Pet Therapy in the Stone Ridge, VA area, please call (703) 327-0335 or schedule a free Teletherapy Consultation Now!