Animal-assisted therapy can be used to help children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. It is a recognised and effective part of the therapeutic process as it can help patients by bringing them emotional, psychological and physical well-being.
Animal-assisted therapy can help:
- With mental health disorders
- With behavioural difficulties
- With learning disorders
- With dementia
- With PTSD
- With anxiety
- Prior to medical procedures
- During long-term hospital stays
- With physical re-adaptation
- … etc.
Zootherapy services can be offered in privates homes, schools, hospitals and other care-taking facilities, depending on the needs of each individual.
And how do the animals help with this exactly?
- They encourage social interactions and participation
- They help to develop social abilities
- They allow patients to learn self-control
- The encourage feelings of empathy
- They are non-judgemental
- They encourage mobility
- They are a source of stimulation
- They offer love and affection
- They are calming and reassuring
- They make people smile
- They help facilitate simple tasks such as making choices and taking initiatives
- … etc.
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