Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted Therapy is a therapeutic intervention that incorporates animals into the treatment plan. The most common being, horses, dogs, cats, and birds, but any domesticated animal will work. Fish can be very calming and relaxing, as well. The client, therapist, and animal work together in therapeutic activities that are outlined in a treatment plan with clear "smart" (specific, measurable, achievable, relative, timely) goals with the expectation of having identifiable progress toward the treatment goals. The therapy can take many forms, based on the patient, the animal, and the goals for treatment. However, sometimes the animal can just be present with no expectations. Animals can provide a sense of calm, comfort, and safety. This helps divert attention away from any uncomfortableness in the session and instead creates an atmosphere that provides pleasure. The presences of the animal brings about a sense of comfort and security because the animal has no judgement and accepts you for who you are. (unconditional regard).