Different agencies and facilities place their clients into an animal assisted therapy program. Working with dogs, cats, horses, and even marine animals helps many people with various conditions and disorders. From nursing home residents to people grappling with substance abuse, animals provide an invaluable service. See how this type of therapy may help you if you need help overcoming drug and alcohol dependency.
Uses of Canine Therapy and Other Animal Therapy
Service dogs are one of the better-known types of canine therapy, but dogs and other animals do much more than assist disabled individuals.
Therapists use animals to help people recovering from various health issues. Animals can also help those who need to improve their social skills and increase their confidence and level of trust. Anyone struggling with mental health disorders may work with animals as part of an animal assisted therapy program.
Canine therapy, as well as therapy including other animals, is incredibly useful when working with autistic individuals, senior citizens, and those with psychological disorders.
What Is Animal Assisted Therapy for Addiction?
More and more drug and alcohol rehab centers are adding an animal assisted therapy program to their treatment options. Whether it is equine, marine animal, or canine therapy, the interaction that clients have with animals can improve their rehab stay.
Animal assisted therapy for addiction is part of a holistic approach to treatment. As clients heal on a physical level in recovery, they must also heal mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Due to the many benefits, they receive in animal assisted therapy for addiction, clients feel less stressed and anxious.
During rehab, they might take part in a farming program where they care for different animals. Or, some treatment centers are pet-friendly environments where clients bring their pets from home.
The act of caring for and being with animals, pets or otherwise, is an excellent way for clients to stop focusing on themselves and their problems. Instead, as they are busy working with animals, they can stay engaged in the present. This is just one skill they can apply to staying sober.
Benefits of an Animal Assisted Therapy Program
No doubt working with animals offers many benefits for individuals in rehab. From horse to canine therapy, benefits of an animal assisted therapy program include:
- Increases a person’s sense of trust
- Reduces anxiety and hostility
- Improves mood
- Boosts self-confidence
The more at ease and relaxed someone is during rehab, the more open she is to participate in rehab fully. An animal assisted therapy program can be used alongside evidence-based practices such as psychotherapy, family therapy, and behavioral therapy. A comprehensive approach like this can be incredibly effective for giving individuals the tools they need to move forward with their lives.
A Safe and Nurturing Environment for Women Only
At The Willows, we seek to redefine the clinical experience. Our treatment center helps young women by using a combination of proven effective therapies with animal assisted therapy for addiction. We are a rehab facility that promotes health and healing in a safe and supportive environment.
The services we offer include:
To learn more about The Willows and how our compassionate team can help you or a loved one, contact us at 855.773.0614. We aim to restore you to total wellness, including your physical and mental health. We are ready to start you on a path to lasting recovery.
