Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a special kind of therapy where amazing animals work alongside trained therapists to help people reach their goals. It’s like having a furry (or feathery, or even scaly!) friend cheering you on.

Here at Superyou, we’re one of few providers who offer AAT in Perth, and we’re lucky to have our own therapy superstar, Koda the dog, on our team! But did you know that dogs aren’t the only animals that can help? Horses, cats, birds, and even fish have been known to work their magic in therapy sessions.

Who can receive animal assisted therapy?

Anyone and everyone! AAT is available to participants of all ages who would benefit from incorporating an animal into therapy sessions. Animal assisted therapy supports common goals like:

• Emotional regulation
• Fine and gross motor skills
• Self-care
• Occupational engagement
• And more!

You can fund animal assisted therapy through your NDIS plan, provided it has been deemed reasonable and necessary to achieve NDIS goals.

The benefits of animal assisted therapy

Animal assisted therapy has a range of benefits across physical, emotional and even social areas. As with other therapeutic interventions like complex home modifications and augmentative and alternative communications, the positive impacts of AAT depend on the individual goals that it aims to treat.

Physical benefits of animal assisted therapy

1. Improved fine and gross motor skills for kids and adults

Interaction with animals can significantly enhance both fine and gross motor skills. Activities such as brushing a dog’s fur, feeding a horse, or even handling small pets like rabbits require the use of precise hand movements.

These tasks help clients develop better hand-eye coordination and dexterity, which are crucial for daily activities. For individuals recovering from strokes or suffering from conditions like arthritis, engaging with animals can be a fun and effective way to practise repetitive movements.

In addition to fine motor skills, gross motor skills are also enhanced through activities involving larger muscle groups.

For example, walking a dog might seem like a simple activity. But it requires capacity in areas such as balance, strength and coordination, which many individuals find challenging!

These activities not only make physical exercise enjoyable but also provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation. These are hugely important factors in therapeutic benefits.

2. Pain management

Animal animal assisted therapy has also been recognised for its potential in pain management. Interacting with animals can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, leading to a reduction in pain perception.

The presence of a therapy animal can reduce the need for pain medication, leading to fewer side effects and complications associated with pharmaceutical treatments. It can also help lower stress levels and create a more positive, holistic healing environment.

3. Increased physical ability

Encouraging movement and exercise is another significant benefit of animal assisted therapy. For clients who may be reluctant or unable to engage in traditional forms of exercise, interacting with animals can provide a fun and motivating alternative.

Moving on a regular basis can help improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina, and promote overall well-being. Other activities such as grooming, feeding, and playing with animals can also increase physical activity levels. These activities require various levels of physical exertion, helping clients build strength and improve their physical fitness.

For children and older adults, the playful and engaging nature of these interactions can make exercise seem less like a chore and more like an enjoyable pastime, leading to increased participation and long-term health benefits.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

1. Stress reduction

One of the most profound benefits of animal assisted therapy is its ability to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. The mere presence of an animal can have a calming effect, helping lower cortisol levels, which are associated with stress.

For clients dealing with high-stress environments or conditions like anxiety disorders, spending time with therapy animals can provide a much-needed respite. Activities such as petting a dog or cat can induce relaxation and reduce feelings of tension and anxiety, creating a sense of peace and well-being.

Therapy animals also provide a non-judgmental presence, allowing clients to feel safe and supported. This can be particularly beneficial in therapeutic settings where building trust and rapport is essential. The unconditional love and companionship offered by therapy animals can help clients open up emotionally, facilitating deeper and more effective therapy sessions.

By reducing stress and creating a calming environment, AAT can significantly enhance the overall therapeutic experience.

2. Emotional support

Animal assisted therapy provides substantial emotional support, helping to reduce anxiety and alleviate symptoms of depression. The bond between a client and a therapy animal can provide a sense of companionship and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

This emotional connection can be particularly valuable for individuals dealing with mental health issues, offering them a source of comfort and stability. For instance, clients suffering from depression may find solace in the consistent presence of a therapy animal, which can help lift their mood and provide motivation to engage in daily activities.

Therapy animals can help clients develop emotional regulation skills. By observing and mimicking an animal’s calm demeanour, clients can learn to manage their own emotions more effectively. This is particularly beneficial for children and individuals with emotional regulation difficulties.

The empathetic nature of animals also encourages clients to express their feelings and develop a deeper understanding of their own emotional states, which is a crucial aspect of emotional healing and growth.

3. Improved social skills

Animal assisted therapy can significantly enhance social interactions and communication, particularly for clients with autism or social anxieties. Animals provide a neutral ground for interaction, helping clients feel more comfortable and less self-conscious.

For children with autism, for example, interacting with a therapy animal can improve social skills such as making eye contact, understanding social cues, and initiating conversations. The presence of an animal can act as a social catalyst, encouraging more spontaneous and natural interactions.

Besides improving social skills, therapy animals can help reduce feelings of social isolation. Clients who may struggle to connect with others can find a sense of companionship and acceptance in their relationship with a therapy animal. This can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence in social situations. Participating in group activities involving therapy animals can also foster a sense of community and belonging, further enhancing social development and interaction.

Cognitive Benefits

1. Enhanced focus and attention

Animal assisted therapy can help improve concentration and attention span, particularly in clients with attention deficit disorders or other cognitive challenges. The engaging nature of interacting with animals requires clients to focus on the task at hand, whether it’s grooming a horse or playing fetch with a dog. These activities can help clients develop better attention control and reduce distractibility. For children with ADHD, for instance, spending time with therapy animals can provide a structured yet enjoyable way to practise maintaining focus and completing tasks.

Animals can also create a more stimulating and motivating environment, which can enhance cognitive engagement. Clients are more likely to stay attentive and interested when activities involve animals, leading to improved cognitive functioning over time. The interactive and dynamic nature of these activities also encourages problem-solving and critical thinking, further contributing to cognitive development.

2. Improved memory function

Animals can play a crucial role in supporting memory retention and cognitive function. Engaging in routine activities with a therapy animal, such as feeding or walking, can help reinforce memory through repetition and consistency. For older adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, these regular interactions can provide a sense of familiarity and structure, which is beneficial for memory recall. The act of caring for an animal can also stimulate mental activity and keep cognitive processes engaged.

Additionally, therapy animals can help clients create new positive memories, which can be particularly therapeutic for individuals dealing with trauma or negative past experiences. The joy and satisfaction derived from interacting with animals can form lasting and meaningful memories, contributing to overall cognitive health. By providing both mental stimulation and emotional enrichment, AAT can play a significant role in enhancing memory and cognitive function.

Social Benefits

1. Increased social skills

Animal assisted therapy can facilitate socialisation and reduce feelings of isolation, particularly in clients who may struggle with social interactions. The presence of an animal can act as a bridge, making it easier for clients to engage with others.

For instance, walking a therapy dog in a park can lead to spontaneous conversations with other dog owners, helping clients practise social skills and build connections. This increased social interaction can be particularly beneficial for elderly clients in nursing homes or individuals with social anxiety.

Clients can share their experiences and bond over their mutual love for animals, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. This social engagement can lead to improved mental health and a greater sense of well-being, as clients feel more connected and less isolated.

2. Building trust and empathy

Animal assisted therapy can help foster a sense of trust and empathy in clients. The non-judgmental and unconditional love of a therapy animal can create a safe space for clients to express themselves and build trust.

For individuals who have experienced trauma or have difficulty trusting others, the presence of a therapy animal can be a first step towards rebuilding trust. The consistent and reliable companionship of an animal can help clients develop a sense of security and trustworthiness, which can then be transferred to human relationships.

Besides building trust, interacting with animals can enhance empathy. Clients learn to recognise and respond to the animal’s needs and emotions, which can translate to greater empathy and understanding in their interactions with people. This is particularly beneficial for children and individuals with social-emotional challenges.

By caring for and nurturing an animal, clients can develop a deeper sense of compassion and empathy, which are essential skills for healthy social relationships.

Applications of Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal assisted therapy is widely used in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centres to improve patient outcomes. In hospitals, therapy animals can provide comfort and companionship to patients undergoing treatment or recovering from surgery.

The presence of an animal can help reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and promote faster recovery.

In nursing homes, therapy animals can improve quality of life for elderly residents, providing them with a sense of purpose and joy. Regular visits from therapy animals can improve mood, decrease feelings of loneliness, and encourage social interaction among residents.

Rehabilitation centres also utilise animal assisted therapy to support patients recovering from physical or mental health conditions.

Engaging in activities with therapy animals can motivate patients to participate in rehabilitation exercises, improve motor skills, and enhance cognitive function.

The positive and engaging nature of these interactions can make the rehabilitation process more enjoyable and effective, leading to better overall outcomes for patients.

Animal assisted therapy is an effective intervention for various mental health disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, and trauma recovery.

For individuals with PTSD, therapy animals can provide a sense of safety and grounding, helping to reduce symptoms such as hypervigilance and anxiety. The calming presence of an animal can also help clients feel more comfortable discussing their trauma, building trust with their therapist and processing difficult emotions.

What does an Animal Assisted Therapy session look like?

Animal assisted therapy (AAT) sessions are carefully structured to meet the specific needs and goals of each client. These sessions can take place in various settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, or the client’s home. Here’s a detailed look at what a typical AAT session might entail:

Initial Meeting and Goal Setting: The session usually begins with a brief meeting between the therapist, the client, and the therapy animal. This initial interaction helps the therapist assess the client’s comfort level with the animal and set specific goals for the session. For instance, if the client’s goal is to improve fine motor skills, activities involving grooming or feeding the animal might be prioritised. If the focus is on emotional support, the session might involve more direct interaction and bonding activities.

Warm-Up Activities: To help the client feel at ease, the session might start with some light, warm-up activities. These could include petting the animal, talking to it, or simply observing its behaviour. This initial phase is crucial for building rapport and establishing a connection between the client and the therapy animal. For clients with anxiety or those who are new to AAT, this gentle introduction can help reduce apprehension and create a sense of comfort and safety.

The therapy dog (or animal!) may be present in sessions to provide emotional regulation and support, or may be directly involved in activities, such as during imaginative or pretend play! AAT will look different for each person since it is always centred around their unique strengths and needs. But there will always be one thing in common across AAT sessions; fun!