Animal Assisted Therapy

Written by: Reina Connelly

One important therapeutic modality that is applied across behavioral health and acute psychiatric settings is animal assisted therapy. In a recent study published, therapeutic modalities that incorporate animals have been found to reduce mental health symptoms as well as improve overall affect in the client. (Kashden, Lincoln, and Finn-Stevenson, 2020) Mental health clinicians, as part of their treatment plans, have encouraged clients to invest in an animal to provide emotional, social, and psychological support.

A common example of an animal being incorporated into therapy is dogs. Specifically, canines have been shown to have cognitive and sensory skills that understand human emotions. In other words, canines have strong sensitivities to human cues. (Kashden, Lincoln, and Finn-Stevenson, 2020). Patients’ brains also activate levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain which produces happiness, when seeing a canine. Lastly, human-pet relationships can provide a wealth of information regarding the improvement of human-human relationships. It can also inform therapist with attachment theory data. Attachment theory is the study of long-term human interactions. (Kashden, Lincoln, and Finn-Stevenson, 2020). In conclusion, this study has emphasized the importance of clients investing in animals for optimal emotional and social health.