• what is animal therapy?

  Animal therapy builds on a concept called the human-animal bond, which describes people’s desire to interact with and relate to animals. For many people, by interacting with a friendly animal, they can form a bond with them. This bond can produce a calming state in the person.

  This bond itself may help the person in several ways, however, one of the most powerful aspects is its ability to regulate the nervous system without you having to do anything. Once regulated its much easier to see and clear anything that doesnt serve you.

• how does animal therapy work?

  Animal therapy can have several goals, and these will determine how it works. The type of therapy and target for this therapy may change depending on the condition and the type of aid that a person needs. Some examples include: Providing, comfort and reducing stress, improving fine motor skills, increasing motivation towards activities such as exercise or interacting with others.

• canine therapy mental health benefits

  The researchers note that the therapy may be beneficial for people from many different age groups with various conditions. For example, a 2019 study found that the use of therapy dogs improved the efficacy of mental health treatments among adolescents.

  Studies involving the use of therapy horses and dogs have shown that animal therapy might also help alleviate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• animal therapy physical health benefits

  Some forms of animal therapy may also help with markers of physical conditions, including epilepsy, heart failure, pain from cancer treatment, postoperative recovery, recovery after a major stroke or another condition that causes a person to lose motor skills.

  Working with animals in these cases may motivate the person to continue therapy, boost their mood and reduce symptoms.

• do I have to know how to handle horses to participate?

  There are no prerequisites for riding or horsemanship skills required for these sessions. Most interactions occur on the ground, this is not about horse riding. Think counselling in a beautiful paddock supported by horses and surrounded by nature.

• what if I’m scared or allergic to horses?

  Individual counselling sessions can be tailored to each person, offering observations and limited contact according to your tolerance levels. This would involve focusing on other techniques, supports & different styles of counselling.

  A little side note, horses may represent “fear” that is actually related to other fears. In this instance interacting with horses may actually assist the counselling process and unearth underlying fears.

• what do I wear to a session?

  Wear comfortable clothing that you can bend and stretch in. Choose something that is ok to get dirty, and closed in shoes – to protect your feet.

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