Animal Assisted Therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. It also involves the animal’s handler – the therapist. The purpose of Animal Assisted Therapy is to help someone recover from or cope with mental health conditions. While many types of animals can be used in Animal Assisted Therapy, Dogs are the animal of choice at Rum River Counseling.
Animal Assisted Therapy builds on the pre-existing human-animal bond. Interacting with a friendly pet can help many physical and mental issues. It can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall psychological state.
Animal Assisted Therapy can be used in many different ways. Defined objectives are an important part of therapy, and your progress will be observed during your sessions.
The goals of a Animal Assisted Therapy program can include:
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Other benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy include:
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The success of Animal Assisted Therapy depends on establishing realistic goals and expectations and meeting those goals.
Animal Assisted Therapy can help both children and adults with a variety of physical and mental issues. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase positivity and socialization.
Animal Assisted Therapy can help both children and adults with a variety of physical and mental issues. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase positivity and socialization.
"When action
meets compassion,
lives change."
Andover Blaine Plymouth St. Paul Elk River Oakdale/Woodbury Teletherapy
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Disclosures |
Model representations of real patients are shown. Actual patients cannot be divulged due to HIPAA regulations.
This site is presented for information only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Presentation and Design ©2004-2024 Rum River Counseling, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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