Written by Gosia Hogan, Psychotherapist working in South Dublin

Animal-assisted psychotherapy (AAP) also known as pet-assisted psychotherapy is a therapeutic intervention that incorporates animals into the treatment plan. Psychotherapists trained in various modalities recognise the fact that pets can facilitate psychotherapeutic process in a number of ways.

Interacting with pets affects one’s physiological state

A presence of a pet can change one’s physiological state in a number of beneficial ways. Stroking the warm and soft fur of a friendly animal can slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure, as well as decrease the production of the stress hormone cortisol and release the feel-good hormone oxytocin. All these physiological changes induce a state of relaxation and well-being that in turn has a positive effect on one’s emotions and cognitions.

Pets can facilitate a positive relationship between the client and therapist

For clients who have difficulty trusting others and who have heightened sensitivity towards perceived criticism or judgement, interaction with a therapist can be emotionally threatening. Pets, on the other hand, offer unconditional love and non-judgemental attitude. As such, contact with pets can help these clients feel more at ease and eventually can facilitate developing a meaningful relationship with a therapist as well.

Pets can be a powerful motivator to continue in therapy even when things get difficult

Therapy is hard and painful at times. Pets can motivate an individual to engage with the process despite the challenges encountered. Friendly presence of a dog who is always happy to see you can just be the factor that makes the experience more tolerable.

The presence of a dog in the room can promote a safe and trusting therapeutic climate. Pets have the ability to anchor clients in the present moment which can be very important for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or panic attacks. Pets also encourage spontaneous communication and can facilitate initial difficult moments of client-therapist interaction.

Is pet-assisted psychotherapy for me?

Everyone can benefit from pet-assisted therapy but the studies have shown that individuals who have been traumatised, those who suffer from severe anxiety and/or panic attacks (prolonged state of physiological arousal), and those who find relating to other people too overwhelming, can find the presence of a pet in the therapy room the most comforting.

You don’t have to be a dog lover to benefit from pet-assisted therapy. However, if the presence of a dog or any other pet adds to your discomfort rather than enhances your experience of therapy, or if you suffer from pet allergies, then perhaps a more traditional therapy is better suited to your needs.

References:

Barker & Dawson. 1998. The effects of animal-assisted therapy on anxiety ratings of hospitalized psychiatric patients. Psychiatric Services, 49(6), 797-801

Germain, et al. 2018. Animal-assisted psychotherapy and trauma: a meta-analysis. Anthrozoos. Vol. 31, pp. 141-164

Muela, A. et al. 2017. Animal‐assisted psychotherapy for young people with behavioural problems in residential care. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy. Vol.24, pp. 1485-1494.

Odendaal, J. S. J. 2000. Animal-assisted therapy: Magic or medicine? Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 49(4): 275–280.

Parish-Plass (Ed.). 2013. Animal-assisted psychotherapy: theory, issues, and practice. Purdue University Press: West LaFayette, Indiana.