|
(Archived Articles)
PET THERAPY
|
Pet Therapy is a highly effective therapy to enhance
one’s physical, emotional and social interactions.
Health studies have shown that Pet Therapy decreases
blood pressure, decreases stress, can reduce the risk of
heart disease, increase relaxation and increase sensory
stimulation. I have personally experienced my work with
“Schaefer” to inspire a sense of purpose, helping,
caring and responsibility in children and some adults
who needed this in their lives. Pet Therapy provides a
therapeutic strategy to decrease the pressure that can
impede a client’s ability to interact and communicate
when feeling especially emotional. Therapy dogs are well
trained, provide an unconditional love and acceptance
for everyone, and can eliminate fears of prejudice and
judgment that many people have grown to expect from
society. Having a Therapy dog in sessions can provide an
avenue for the client to talk to me
and vice versa if they feel threatened to reveal their
true feelings and thoughts. A therapy dog can provide a
non-threatening way to touch for those who are resistant
or afraid to touch but need or desire touch. On a daily
basis I have witnessed “Schaefer” to automatically
increase social interaction, communication and produce
many large smiles! Pet Therapy provides a natural outlet
for entertainment, comic relief and a willing ear. I
have witnessed many anxious children and adults
immediately relax when they enter my office and see
“Schaefer” lying down and looking up at them with a warm
glow in
his eyes.
Therapy dogs can sense the difference between a child
who needs to feel in control and confident and allows
this to occur. On the other hand, a bossy and demanding
child learns that their disrespect does not work,
“Schaefer” will respond when respect is given and ignore
disrespectful demands. I have witnessed increased trust
in a timely manner with the use of Pet Therapy as a love
and respect for animals quickly generalizes to children
and adults. Therapy dogs have proven to bring out one’s
nurturing instincts. A relationship with a therapy dog
is a powerful way to teach the value of “giving back”.
Pet Therapy has proven to be highly effective with grief
work. “Schaefer” has helped many children overcome the
fear of dogs, as well. His gentle demeanor, combined
with his large and regal stature, has proven to be the
perfect combination. Children with low self-esteem
and/or significant anxiety seem to walk ten feet tall
while holding “Schaefer’s” leash after they return from
a walk and enter the office lobby.
ANNE HENDRIX, M.A., N.C.C., L.P.C.
|
Click Here To View Current Topic
|
