Considering our nations obsession with animals and their ability to soothe people, it is no surprise that they have found their way into therapy sessions.
Sasha the mutt; semi-retired tiger-striped Norman the cat; Conner, Charm and Summer the Belgian Tervurens; or Harmony the bay Thoroughbred (granddaughter of Secretariat) are all part of the treatment protocols developed by the four therapists at the Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado.
Linda Chassman, a veteran therapist who first began using animals with clients 10 years ago and went on to seek certification in a specialty known as animals and human health, says by incorporating animals into sessions she can achieve therapeutic goals much faster.
At AATPC, animals play a fundamental role in the therapy sessions and are at the core of helping patients sort through their problems.
When incorporating animals into the therapy, Chassman says:
“People are much more willing to get to the issues, especially kids, who, rather than directly confronting something, can speak to or about the animal.”
AATPC is branching out beyond their offices too and training parents to use pets to help children with behavioral issues, as well as conducting workshops for other human service industry professionals.
Most importantly, they acknowledge this method is not right for everyone, but like therapist Ellen Kinney says:
“Incorporating the animals into our work here makes this a fun, welcoming place … and helps make therapy feel much less threatening.”
We can totally understand the thought process behind this unique style of therapy because nothing puts us at ease faster than a loving animal to pet.
[Image via AP Images.]
