Supervision Group 

I thought I’d ask my supervision group today what they thought were the most popular and emerging trends that they are seeing in their counselling experiences . I  was surprised when they said  “Animal or Pet Assisted Therapy” . They have  noticed, particularly the ones who work in schools that therapy dogs are becoming a widening trend . I never used to think much about animals as therapy. I actually thought it was a bit woo woo LOL, yes they were good for humans , Man’s best friend etc but therapy ?? A dog can’t do Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Solution Focused Therapy can it ?  Yes make us feel warm and fuzzy but help us to get mentally better ?

I  have to admit I am not much of an animal lover. I used to be . I remember telling everyone who would listen that I wanted to be a vet when I grew up .Then one day I happened to walk into the lounge room while ‘All Creatures Great and Small”  was on the telly . Remember that show ? Very big in the UK .  I saw that very famous James Herriot with his hand up a cow’s butt and that was the end of it for me . No more romanticizing pour moi  , the idea of saving the worlds creatures’ from pain and destruction crumbled within a nano second . Yeah… nah … no thanks .

Since then , while liking animals generally but not other peoples pets ( they jump all love me and annoy the crap out of me ) when it comes to my own its a love/ hate . My dog is a loveable pest . He comes with a bundle of issues and annoying habits ..but then so does my husband and I’m still keeping him Lol

They liked Animal Therapy ….

The majority of my contributors in our supervision session believe that in their view “Animal Therapy” whilst having been on our radar for at least 10 years  is becoming a growing and expanding trend and has many benefits to a large section of the community from children to people with neurological disorders and psychiatric disability. This surprised me as I thought they would say AI or online therapy but nope.

This is backed up by major wide scale research  by  PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Ebsco Animals, PROQUEST, Web of Science, CINAHL, and MEDLINE, and PRISMA ( 2016) A bloody  big mega study by the  way …

Studies on children, psychiatric and elderly patients were the most common. The animal-intervention programs suggested various benefits such as reducing stress, pain, and anxiety for these groups in particular .

Overall benefits found were :

  • The simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response. …
  • Lowers anxiety and helps people relax.
  • Provides comfort.
  • Reduces loneliness.
  • Increases mental stimulation. …
  • Can provide an escape or happy distraction.

Relationships Australia did a Pet therapy study in 2019 and found similar results.

Survey respondents were most likely to report that the most rewarding aspect of owning a pet was ‘it brings joy,’ ‘improved mental wellbeing’ and it ‘reduces loneliness and/or social isolation.’

(https://www.relationships.org.au/document/may-2019-pet-therapy/

We must never underestimate the power of those little hits of dopamine . Even though we may not making huge inroads in terms of  giving people a sense of being cured or no longer experiencing symptoms , this type of therapy needs to be acknowledged for its own worth and the ongoing warmth , love, connection and joy we can derive from our furry friends.

Relationships Australia did a Pet therapy study in 2019 and found similar results.

Survey respondents were most likely to report that the most rewarding aspect of owning a pet was ‘it brings joy,’ ‘improved mental wellbeing’ and it ‘reduces loneliness and/or social isolation.’

(https://www.relationships.org.au/document/may-2019-pet-therapy/

 

The fervor  of  Online Pet Forums 

I laugh when I read online pet forums. The outrage and commitment in the amount of energy and focus people put to telling other people how they should care , give away, feed and train their pets is astounding ! I love and hate it at the same time . While I’m glad we hold each other to account for our pet care , being a counsellor for teens , my response is I wish people had the same passion for child rearing !! LOL .

There is no mistaking the passion and love for our furry companions There is an ever expanding understanding that they are an integral part of our wellbeing and even sometimes, survival on the planet .

Although animal therapy has been around for a while it seems to be a “go to “therapy particularly for people  living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, psychiatric illness and trauma induced mental health issues in more recent years, especially with the advent of the NDIS where children with Autism and trauma can tap into more therapies that are custom made to their own unique needs.  Animal and equine therapies are a big pull in this area. Giving children with disabilities the sort of therapy outcomes , that other therapies have failed to achieve historically.

I’m sure everyone also respects the work that goes into making an animal into a therapy pet . Its not every pet that that can be a therapy pet , but most pets we love come close in their own way . At the least , without even being trained our own pet gives us many of the benefits of a therapy animal without the training .

 

 

The Magic of Therapy Dogs 

I remember years ago finding a Papillon dog ( slightly bigger than a chihuahua with butterfly ears )  on the street near my house .She was black and beautiful and had a calmness and warmth about her that I could not quite put into words.

“There is something special about this dog” I said to my then boyfriend .

When we eventually found out where she was from. She was a therapy dog that belonged to a nearby peoples home and would often sit on their beds as they passed ……GOLD

Whilst animal therapy may not be for everyone , its worth giving it some sunlight , just to see if its right for you , especially if nothing else has worked. What have you got to lose ?