Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)

What is Animal Assisted Therapy?

People are often very confused as to what Animal Assisted Therapy is. They sometimes think that the therapy dogs are going to perform special tasks or even tricks  to help with their mental health. I have even had calls from people asking if I could help with their dog’s depression.

We treat people with mental health issues and the Animal Assisted Therapy is tailored for people. To some it may seem that the dogs just sit or lay there and enjoy the pats. Yes, they certainly enjoy the pats. But running your fingers through their fur has an immediate calming effect. The therapy dogs also absorb negative energy and give off positive energy. Distressed clients cannot hug me (the psychologist), but they can hug the therapy  dogs. Toffee is particularly good at that. She will just sit still and allow the client to express their distress while hugging her. 

I have listed the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy below.

The benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy

It has been said that animals create a balance between one’s own mind and body. Fine and Eisen (2008) suggest that animal companions provide a source of pleasure, connection to the outside world, the promise of hope and a reason to live. The simple act of being a friend and caring for another being has a significant beneficial impact on our wellbeing. Research has shown that these friendships do not need to be between humans, but are just as effective with other species.

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is much more than patting a friendly dog. The mere presence of a therapy dog can have an immediate positive effect, improving mood and reducing anxiety.

Toffee and Kandi are instrumental in:

  • building a positive therapeutic relationship
  • creating an atmosphere of calmness, safety and acceptance
  • they enhance trust within the therapeutic environment
  • promoting insight into emotions, behaviour and consequences
  • They help enhance the client’s social and relationship skills
  • They help build self-confidence and self-acceptance
  • They help to identify and express feelings (e.g. patting or hugging the dog)
  • They model positive behaviours
  • They support the client and keep the client in the present when emotions become distressing and/or overwhelming
  • Their presence promote motivation and a sense of fun.
  • They keep the clients engaged in therapy

Important Information regarding AAT

Important Information about Animal Assisted Therapy

Having the therapy dogs interact is optional and the client signs a consent form for the inclusion of the dogs. If a client does not want the therapy dogs to interact with them, please let us know at time of booking. The dogs will then remain in their crates, where they are safe and happy (usually just go to sleep), but they will still be in the room. If a client is not comfortable with this arrangement, then we can switch to telehealth or I can refer you to a colleague. 

  • The therapy dogs undergo routine vet checks and preventative medicine (vaccinations, worming and flea treatments). 
  • The therapy dogs are bathed and groomed every two weeks by a profesional groomer
  • The therapy dogs are trained, socialised and certified to work with clients of all ages. However, there are risks associated wtih working with animals, including risk of injury or damage to property. 
  • Clients are never left alone with the therapy dogs. If I need to leave the room the dogs are confined to their crates and clients are not allowed to interact with the dogs while they are in their crates. 
  • There is no guarantee that the therapy dogs will be present at all sessions. The presence of the dogs is subject to illness and injury. All appointments will proceed regardless of the dogs being present or absent.