Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy involves incorporating a trained therapy animal, like our Golden Retriever Archie, into psychology sessions to support emotional wellbeing. The calming presence of an animal can help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and create a more comfortable and grounding environment for adults during therapy. This approach fosters connection, enhances relaxation, and can make the therapeutic process feel more approachable and supportive.

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been widely studied and shown to offer numerous benefits for psychological and emotional wellbeing. Below is a summary of key research findings:

Reducing Anxiety and Stress

A meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Psychology (2019) found that AAT significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety in both clinical and non-clinical populations. The presence of a therapy animal was associated with physiological reductions in cortisol levels and heart rate, indicating stress relief. Interactions with animals promote oxytocin release, which is linked to increased feelings of calm and connection.

Improving Mood and Emotional Regulation

A study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research (2018) demonstrated that AAT improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression in patients undergoing treatment for various mental health conditions. Participants reported feeling more relaxed, safe, and comfortable during therapy sessions with the inclusion of therapy animals.

Enhancing Engagement in Therapy

Research published in Applied Developmental Science (2015) highlighted that therapy animals often act as social catalysts, making clients feel more at ease and open during sessions. This increased willingness to participate can enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Trauma and PTSD Support

In populations with PTSD, including veterans, studies published in Anthrozoös and Military Medicine (2016) found that AAT reduced hyperarousal symptoms and improved emotional grounding, helping clients feel more present and less overwhelmed.

    1. Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, Article 234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234

    2. Souter, M. A., & Miller, M. D. (2007). Do animal-assisted activities effectively treat depression? A meta-analysis. Anthrozoös, 20(2), 167-180. https://doi.org/10.2752/175303707X207954

    3. Kamioka, H., Okada, S., Tsutani, K., Park, H., Okuizumi, H., Handa, S., ... & Honda, T. (2014). Effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 22(2), 371-390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2013.12.016

    4. Wesley, M. C., Minatrea, N. B., & Watson, J. C. (2009). Animal-assisted therapy in the treatment of substance dependence. Anthrozoös, 22(2), 137-148. https://doi.org/10.2752/175303709X434167

    5. Dietz, T. J., Davis, D., & Pennings, J. (2012). Evaluating animal-assisted therapy in group treatment for child sexual abuse. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 21(6), 665-683. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2012.726700

    6. O’Haire, M. E., McKenzie, S. J., McCune, S., & Slaughter, V. (2013). Effects of animal-assisted activities with guinea pigs in the primary school classroom. Anthrozoös, 26(3), 445-458. https://doi.org/10.2752/175303713X13697429463835

    7. Barker, S. B., Knisely, J. S., Schubert, C. M., & Green, J. D. (2017). Preliminary investigation of the effects of an animal-assisted intervention on trauma symptoms in adolescents. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, 10(4), 337-346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-017-0140-2