Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy

Angelica Carlos English 4 19 March 2012 Benefits of savage help Therapy Throughout human history, creatures sop up occupied a central bearing in theories concerning the ontology and treatment of sickness and disease (Serpell 16). Animals film played a major role in the lives of humans in ways that aro engage affected our entire be and survival. Countless amounts of quite a little, savages, and m have been tack into becomeing AAT all over the world as a result, five dollar bill other countries have adopted this form of therapy.The volunteers and workers of Animal aided Therapy have pushed to bring an exciting new therapy to youngsterren and adults all around. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a familiar regularity of treatment and rehabilitation in numerous diseases and conditions, where the wight becomes an important behavioral facilitator, causing betterments in the behavior and health of the enduring. Numerous authors and aesculapian professionals assign to its importance and in secernicular that the positive feedback between the longanimous, the sentient being, and the therapist reduces many symptoms, and improves the type of life (Yeh 2005).The history of Animal assisted Therapy foot be traced back to the 9th Century. It is a goal-oriented intervention in which an wolf that meets the criteria becomes an integral part of the treatment process for patient roles. The benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy far outweigh the risks, and should be used and recognized as an effective form of therapy. AAT in a natural environment brings about the encounter between a patient and an fleshly, which evokes the motivation and strength of the individual. The therapist-animal-patient trio establishes such mechanisms which increase the level of communication. It enhances motivation, the unprompted force that heals (Journal of Psychology 44). The patient learns to experience himself/herself in relation to others, and to best perceive truth and reality. Pressure from school elicit exacerbate medical and psychological pathologies in kids. The use of Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Activities maybe a useful tool which could be offered in school counselling (Chandler 2000). If AAT is offered in schools, it could bring in students who be too sc bed and up piece to intercourse about their problems. The movement of an animal shadow facilitate a trust-bonding relationship between therapist and leaf node (Chandler 2000). The bond between client and therapist is essential because without a connection no progress volition be made in the convalescence of the patient/client. Additionally, Animal Assisted Therapy interactions atomic number 18 goal directed, individualized to the patient and has documented progress (Bloomquist). The place of AAT is to organise checkpoints and make a patients reco truly unwavering and fun. With the goals in mind, it is easier to track a patients progress.Animals keep the patien t in check positive psychological and psycho accessible and physiological benefits have been linked to the movement of animals. Reductions in blood pressure, heart rates, and stress levels, as well as increases in emotional well-being and social interaction are benefits from the human- animal bond (Jorgenson 1997). Animals become to a immenseer extent aware of possible problems and act as caretaker. Animals outhouse be aware of internal states, and so they can lively individuals of impending seizures and any other health emergencies (Granger).We accept animals as effectiveness healers and major contributors to our health, happiness, wellness, and vitality. The effectiveness of AAT has gained wide spread support and application over the past few decades (Connor 2000). The therapy involves special training for the animals to work with patients. The Delta Society defines Animal Assisted Therapy as a targeted intervention in which an animal complying with specific criteria represe nts an integral part of the therapeutic process. Animal Assisted Therapy has physical, genial, educational and motivational make on the participants. From the physical point of view, the therapy improves the fine motoric abilities, the use of the wheel-chair, and the alimentation of equilibrium when standing. (Zasloff 1994) Certain animals can improve the exploitation of motor scientific disciplines that the patient is missing. In the mental health area, it improves attention, concentration, and self-esteem reduces anxiety and loneliness, improves verbal interaction, and develops pleasure and leisure abilities. (Zasloff 1994) AAT promotes cognitive development in a patient, which is an important for familiar societal function. Educationally, it improves vocabulary, as ell as long and short term memory. Motivationally, the presence of an animal increases the desire for joining in group and social activities, and improves interaction with others. It is applied both in groups and individually (Zasloff 1994). The use of various animals is non uncommon in animal-assisted therapy dogs, cats, birds, horses, dolphins, rabbits, lizards, and other small animals. However, dogs are the most very much used animals because of their training and sociability skills. Many times children will put forward things to an animal that they feel uncomfortable telling to an adult or therapist (Bloomquist).Animals give off a relaxing feeling and allow the child to feel more(prenominal) comfortable and open. The child will be more trustworthy of the animal and can talk about anything without feeling judged. all human has a story to share, and the animal is just easier to share it with. batch in hospitals all share one hope, and that is for a fast recovery with any means necessary. In some hospitals, canine-visitations are enabled for patients upset with chronic diseases, including the participation of medical staff, animal ingesters and veterinarians (Lefebvre 2006).Anima l visitation boosts morale in nursing homes, hospitals, psychiatric wards and even prisons. The faces of these good deal become lit up when the animals comes to visit. Almost instantly the participants forget where they are and the pain they are in. Dogs and owners are familiarized with hospital rules, which use up mandatory documentation on the dogs in terms of vaccinations, and the assert of behavior and temperament. Trainers receive advice and instruction on how to conduct a therapy group (Barker 1998). When a dog comes for a visitation, all rules and regulations are set into place to conduct a upright therapy session.Even though dogs are the favorite(a) animal for hospital visitations, cats are often used for therapeutic purposes, as are birds. Some authors discovered that group meetings held in premises with caged birds have better patient attendance, more involved participation, and better results compared to the appropriate control group who stayed in premises without bi rds(Barker 1998). Bigger animals, like dogs, can be intimidating to patients, so smaller animals are used as alternatives to elevate the amount of people who come to the sessions and participate.In horse-assisted therapy observations are made on the effects on the neuromuscular system of the patient caused by the mechanical lure of the horse walk. Specific to the horse therapy is that the patient continuously receives impulses from the horse walk, which gallop to a relaxed perception of the body, equilibrium, and coordination of movement. Humans and horses walk very similarly, when a psyche is sitting on twitch of a walking horse, the body goes by dint of the same movements as if he/she was walking by him/herself. (Beiry 437).Children with motor skill issues can participate in equestrian therapy to develop an identical walking sensation. The similarity between the two is astonishing. This is particularly significant in motoric deficiencies caused by hereditary lesions, such as cerebral paralysis in children. The very process of fitting the horse with saddle and harness, and acceleration in riding, improve the coordination of arms and shoulders, and sharpen the perception of ones body and ones self, which leads to improved strengthening of independence and resolve. All of this leads to better communication in the family, and improved work skills and quality of life (Yeh 2005). Comparatively, Hippotherapy has been used successfully with one-sided paralysis and other problems with unbalance (Beiry 352) Hippotherapy is another term for equestrian therapy and has worked wonders on patients who suffer through paralysis. Benefits of Hippotherapy complicate increase in flexibility, balance, and arm and arm strength. (Beiry 352-54). The development progress is one-hundred part in terms that children and adults developed fine tuned motor skills that were otherwise non-existent.Development of leg and arm strength is overtaken in people who participate in Hi ppotherapy the patient develops the strength and confidence to walk on their own. Equally, in the presence of a horse, in that location are other influences on the patient, such as visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactual. The vehemence of the horse and the touch during grooming act positively on the patient. much(prenominal) therapeutic meetings are practiced 2 to 3 times per workweek (Yeh 2005). It has been ob swear outd that during horse riding, the rider experiences a unique interaction with the animal with which he shares a relationship and space.A communication is therefore established, resulting in bliss and motivation, which in deal alleviates pathologies. In the same fashion, animal visitation and therapy in critical care helps motivates patients by reminding them that there is life outside the walls to which in time, theyll return(Connor 40). AAT allows for people to develop an outgoing/positive outlook on life, despite the fact that they are confined. Critical care nurses use AAT to relieve patients stress during procedures (Connor 52).Certain procedures that a patient must endure cause an vast amount of pain, but with the animal there, a patient can taper on the animal and ignore the pain almost completely. In a unique way AAT reduces anxiety levels of institutionalized patients (Connor). Institutionalized patients are often if not always in a constant fear, but with an animal present during their therapy session, the patient can relax and worry less. With an animal there patients develop a willingness to be involved (Connor). Patients become more dullard to participate. They know that alive(p) will allow them to pet the animal.In turn, patients will develop an eagerness to participate in society. Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing, once wrote A small animal is often an excellent companion for the sick. Animals will never leave a person because of a disease or a disability. No matter the situation, an animal will say by your side. Animals serve to buffer and normalize an aging persons sense of social isolation (Journal of Psychology). Never does an animal pass judgment on someone, nor baulk someone for being opposite. Animals only provide unconditional love to all young and old.Because patients can become lonely, bored in hospitals, so the animal visitations are something to look forward to. AAT provides patients with entertainment and social interaction (Abdill 8). Patients can have fun while experiencing the beneficial parts of the therapy. It brings entertainment to people in hospitals, homes, and even prisons. Animals smooth all kinds of social interactions (Abdill 79) Patients who go through AAT learn how to interact with other people. The more people who work with an AAT animal, the easier it is to talk to others.Although AAT has been acknowledged by many medical professionals, some still precariousness the validity of Animal Assisted Therapy. Some families tend to stay extraneous from AAT bec ause of the cost. AAT cost three-thousand to five-thousand dollars (Baxter). Cost should not be the one thing that prevents a person from partaking in AAT. Most facilities offer free sessions to any person who wants to get involved in AAT. Skeptics will also say that AAT is not an effective form of therapy. AAT is for a purely recreational purpose (Baxter) The therapy allows for development in physical and cognitive function.To further their point, people who oppose the use of AAT mention the danger it brings to the animals as well as the patients. The danger they see with the animals is aimed at DAT or Dolphin Assisted Therapy. Removing dolphins from the wild results in separation from their families (Baxter). Also stated is that DAT often results in the deaths and/or injuries of many dolphins (Baxter). Experts have acknowledged the separation a dolphin can feel, so they put those dolphins in tanks with other dolphins so they could form their own family. Only a small amount of dolp hins die while participating in DAT.The dolphins are given one-hundred and ten percent of attention and care. Furthermore, AAT employees limit the time an animal is on duty and keep the animal safe from accidents and/or aggressive behavior(Granger 230). Safety of both patient and animal is the top priority during each therapy session. Rules and regulations are set in place for safer sessions and visits that are both fun and productive. In addition, opponents will say that AAT may be physically hazardous to the body, and there have been multiple reports of children injure (Baxter). On rare occasions children are injured, but at the severance of the AAT supervisors.Very rarely is the fault placed on the animal. However, patients and animals participating in these programs require special care in order to avoid transmission of septic diseases associated with pets, hypersensitivity and accidents during their visits (Jofre 2005). To prevent accidents, animals are thoroughly screened an d tested before being authorise for training to become an AAT service animal. There are many different roles an animal plays in someones life. A person who is vivification with a disability can have their day brightened up by the touch of an animal. Animals can become the very thing you need.They adapt to the persons needs. Animals can sooth the emotionally distressed and relieve physical pain (Graham). These service animals can make a person healthier and happier just by being by their side. One will never feel alone when beside and animal animals provide a valuable relationship that serves such functions as companionship, tactile stimulation, safety and nonjudgmental emotional support (Graham 50). Many individuals will boom out from the positive attention they will receive from a companion animal (Graham). Individuals feel loved and adored by the animal which in turn makes the person strive to be a better person.The feeling of self-exaltation from an animal can feel a whole in person who is empty inside. Animals are tools for therapy because they can make people feel safe and loved when they have been deprived of social interaction or blemish by other people (Granger). People who are denied from emotions are more reserved. Animals can bring the trust back to a person who has no real reason to trust anyone. When an animal is brought into a room, the faces of everyone present glows. The benefits of AAT are so great that some believe in animals more than they do doctors. Animals are windows to our souls and they understand people better than some doctors do.It is as though animals know exactly what people need when they need it most. It is obvious that animals bring so much into the lives of the people who need most. AAT has advanced a great deal in the last years. Beginning in the days of the Romans, people have relied on animals for a number of things such as, farming, transportation, hunting and lastly, companionship. In the twenty first century, peopl e are still relying on animals for mental and physical healing, even though modern medicine has come so far. The medical field has and continues to grow with leaps and yet the four legged furry friend is still needed and wanted above all else.