Many of us have experienced stress and anxiety and we can attest to the fact that it’s not a pleasant feeling. It can be difficult to manage, and it can affect every aspect of your life. That’s why we are excited to talk about animal therapy and how it can help manage stress and anxiety. In this article, we’ll explore what animal therapy is, its history, the different types of animal therapy, and how to become a certified therapy animal handler.
Introduction to Animal Therapy
Animal therapy, also known as pet therapy, is a type of therapy that involves animals as a form of treatment. The goal of animal therapy is to improve a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Animal therapy can involve a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and even fish.
The History of Animal Therapy
Animal therapy has been around for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans used animals to help treat people with mental health issues. In the 18th and 19th centuries, animals were used to treat people with tuberculosis. In the 20th century, animal therapy became more mainstream, and it’s now used to help a variety of people, including those with mental health issues, children with autism, and people with physical disabilities.
Increase in Pet Adoption during the Covid Pandemic
The Covid pandemic has been a stressful time for many people. Many people have turned to pets as a way to cope with the stress and anxiety of the pandemic. As a result, there has been an increase in pet adoptions during the pandemic. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), adoptions of dogs and cats increased by 15-20% in 2020 compared to 2019.
Benefits of Animal Therapy for Mental Health
Animal therapy has been shown to have many benefits for mental health. Studies have shown that spending time with animals can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help improve mood, increase feelings of well-being, and decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The Different Types of Animal Therapy
There are several different types of animal therapy, including animal-assisted psychotherapy, equine therapy, dolphin-assisted therapy, and pet therapy. Each type of animal therapy has its own unique benefits.
Therapy Animals and Their Training
Therapy animals are specially trained to interact with people in a therapeutic setting. They undergo extensive training to ensure that they are well-behaved and can handle a variety of situations. Therapy animals can be any type of animal, but dogs are the most common.
The Benefits of Animal-assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted psychotherapy is a type of therapy that involves an animal as a co-therapist. The animal is used to help the client feel more comfortable and relaxed during the therapy session. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD.
Pet Therapy in Hospitals and Nursing Homes
Pet therapy is commonly used in hospitals and nursing homes to help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable. Studies have shown that pet therapy can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in patients. It can also help improve physical health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Pet Therapy for Children
Pet therapy is also commonly used with children. It can help children feel more comfortable and relaxed during therapy sessions and can help improve their social skills. Pet therapy can also help children with ADHD and autism by improving their ability to focus and reducing their anxiety.
How to Become a Certified Therapy Animal Handler
If you’re interested in becoming a certified therapy animal handler, there are a few steps you’ll need to take. First, you’ll need to make sure that your animal is well-behaved and can handle being in a therapeutic setting. You’ll also need to complete a training program to become certified as a therapy animal handler.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, animal therapy is a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. It has been shown to have many benefits for mental health, and there are several different types of animal therapy to choose from. Whether you’re looking to become a certified therapy animal handler or simply want to spend more time with your pet, animal therapy can help improve your overall well-being.