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Rufus was retired from therapy dog service Summer 2022

Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling (AAT-C)

The American Humane Association defines animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on their website as:

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“a goal-directed intervention in which an animal is incorporated as an integral part of the clinical health-care treatment process. AAT is delivered or directed by a professional health or human service provider who demonstrates skill and expertise regarding the clinical applications of human-animal interactions.”

Therapy Dog Rufus

Those of us who have experienced the joy a pet can bring recognize the therapeutic qualities that are inherent in the human-animal relationship.  As a therapist, my goal is to incorporate the benefits of AAT into my therapy practice with my therapy dog Rufus as an agent in the counseling process. 

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AAT is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning [cognitive functioning refers to thinking and intellectual skills].  AAT is provided in a variety of settings and may be group or individual in nature.  This process is documented and evaluated.” (From Standards of Practice for Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy)

Reason to Practice Animal Assisted Therapy:

  • Increase motivation to attend sessions

  • Healing nuturance and affection through physical contact with the therapy pet

  • Soothing comfort from petting or holding therapy pet

  • Experience genuine acceptance from the therapy pet

  • Enjoyment and entertainment

  • Form a more trusting relationship with therapists who demonstrate they can be trusted by the way they interact with the therapy pet

  • Enhance client's personal awareness from the way the animal interacts with or responds to the client

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Animal Assisted Therapy assists the therapist and client to achieve goals including:

  • Improving Self-Esteem

  • Developing Social Skills

  • Modeling Healthy Relationships

  • Increase motivation

  • Increase attention skills

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Additional benefits of AAT-C:

  • Encourages Soothing Atmosphere

  • Builds Rapport Between Therapist and Client

  • Decrease in stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and aldosterone

  • Increase in beneficial hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine and endorphins

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Neurobiology of the Human-Animal Social Connection:

  • Within a few minutes of positive interactions  between a dog and human

  • Levels of oxytocin, endorphins and dopamine in both person and dog rise significantly
    Oxytocin - Effects including pleasure, soothing and calming moods, and stress reduction.  Also contributes to social connection and pair bonding
    Endorphins - Help relieve pain and induce feelings of pleasure or euphoria
    Dopamine - Controls brains reward and pleasure centers

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Psychophysiological Health Benefits:

  • Increased concentrations of beta-endorphin, oxytocin, prolactin, beta-phenylethylamine, and dopamine.

  • Decrease in cortisol levels in humans

  • Decrease in blood pressure levels
     

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