What is Animal-Assisted Therapy? “Animal-Assisted Therapy, also known as AAT, has been shown to help children who have experienced abuse or neglect, patients undergoing chemotherapy or other difficult medical treatments, and veterans and their families who are struggling to cope with the effects of wartime military service. With new research and a continued commitment to professionalism, AAT will continue to grow in mainstream healthcare acceptance and practice – one more tool to enhance individuals' well being, and one more reminder of the vital and multifaceted role that animals can play in every aspect of our lives”(American Humane Association, 2013).
History and Background Dating back to the 1700s, animal …show more content…
These eight principles include respect, safety, enjoyment, acceptance, training, relationship, process, and foundations. “When therapists/instructors bring dogs into the playroom or take children out to work with horses, they must think about additional factors that impact the child and the therapeutic process. To ensure the physical and emotional well-being of children and animals as well as the therapy itself, the following principles have been developed” (VanFleet & Faa-Thompson, 2010).
Respect is the first and foremost principle to AAT for both the animals and the children who are participating. Respect should be given and received during the entirety of the therapy session. Giving the time and patience to learn what both the animal at the children is in need of is key before moving …show more content…
Each time a child attends animal therapy; happiness should be what the session revolves around for both the child and animal. In order for a child to be relieved from any stress, depression/anxiety, an enjoyable and positive environment is the first step to success.
Stress, anxiety, or depression in children has shown to be caused by a lack of acceptance. Therefore, acceptance is to be amongst the seven other principles while practicing animal assisted therapy. “In AAT, the therapist accepts the child and the animal for which they are. The therapist accepts and works with the child's needs, feelings, and process without pushing them in a different direction or at a faster pace. Similarly, the therapist does not expect the animal to become something he or she is not. This principle serves the welfare of both animal and child”( VanFleet & Faa-Thompson, 2010).
Past Success and
History and Background Dating back to the 1700s, animal …show more content…
These eight principles include respect, safety, enjoyment, acceptance, training, relationship, process, and foundations. “When therapists/instructors bring dogs into the playroom or take children out to work with horses, they must think about additional factors that impact the child and the therapeutic process. To ensure the physical and emotional well-being of children and animals as well as the therapy itself, the following principles have been developed” (VanFleet & Faa-Thompson, 2010).
Respect is the first and foremost principle to AAT for both the animals and the children who are participating. Respect should be given and received during the entirety of the therapy session. Giving the time and patience to learn what both the animal at the children is in need of is key before moving …show more content…
Each time a child attends animal therapy; happiness should be what the session revolves around for both the child and animal. In order for a child to be relieved from any stress, depression/anxiety, an enjoyable and positive environment is the first step to success.
Stress, anxiety, or depression in children has shown to be caused by a lack of acceptance. Therefore, acceptance is to be amongst the seven other principles while practicing animal assisted therapy. “In AAT, the therapist accepts the child and the animal for which they are. The therapist accepts and works with the child's needs, feelings, and process without pushing them in a different direction or at a faster pace. Similarly, the therapist does not expect the animal to become something he or she is not. This principle serves the welfare of both animal and child”( VanFleet & Faa-Thompson, 2010).
Past Success and