Trauma therapy is an essential part of the healing journey for those who have experienced a traumatic event. Animal assisted therapy is a specialized form of trauma therapy which utilizes the power of animals to facilitate healing and recovery. Animal assisted therapy can provide a unique and effective way for survivors of trauma to receive the help they need to move forward. In this blog po
st, we will look at how animal therapy can help survivors of trauma and how it can be used as a tool for trauma therapy.
What is Animal Assisted Therapy in Denver?
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a type of therapeutic intervention that utilizes trained animals as part of the therapy process. In AAT, animals act as a bridge between the therapist and the client, and can provide comfort, support, and a distraction from the trauma being discussed. AAT is used to help clients manage anxiety, depression, stress, and even PTSD. It can also be used in the treatment of physical disabilities or illnesses.
The most common type of animal used in AAT is a dog, though cats, horses, rabbits, birds, and other animals may also be employed. In addition to providing comfort and emotional support, dogs can also be trained to provide physical assistance to those with physical disabilities. AAT can be conducted in any setting, including a therapist’s office, an animal-assisted facility, or even in the client’s home.
AAT is becoming increasingly popular as a form of trauma treatment and there are many practitioners who use dogs in therapy that offer AAT. For those looking for more traditional forms of therapy such as “counseling for women” or “neurofeedback and counseling in Denver”, incorporating AAT into their regular sessions can help to enhance the therapeutic process. Neurofeedback therapy, in particular, can be effective at calming the nervous system when combined with AAT.
How does AAT help survivors of trauma?
The primary goal of AAT is to provide support and comfort to those who are recovering from traumatic events. Studies have shown that animal assisted therapy can help reduce stress and anxiety, increase empathy, and promote social skills. For many survivors of trauma, interacting with an animal can also serve as a distraction from their thoughts and feelings, allowing them to focus on the present moment instead of dwelling on past experiences.
A recent meta-analysis that looked into efficacy rates of having a therapy animal present (across the years of 2005-2011) showed that within 93% of these studies, a positive outcome associated with the therapy animal was reported.
AAT provides an opportunity for survivors to practice their interpersonal skills in a non-threatening environment. Working with animals in a therapeutic setting gives individuals the chance to build trust and practice self-expression without fear of judgment or criticism. By building relationships with animals, survivors can gain confidence in their own abilities and develop more meaningful relationships with other people.
In addition, AAT at Connected Brain Counseling can provide support for people in search of counseling services or neurofeedback and counseling as a combined program (with a therapy dog in practice, too!) With a variety of animals to choose from, such as cats, dogs, horses, and even rabbits, it’s important to find the right therapy animal for you. If you’re looking for animal assisted therapy in Denver with a rescue dog, Connected Brain Counseling may have one that meets your needs.
The benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy in Colorado
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a therapeutic approach that uses animals to help people with mental health and emotional issues. AAT can be used to help those who have suffered trauma, such as survivors of abuse, domestic violence, or war. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, including counseling for women with trauma, or integrative neurofeedback programs.
AAT has been found to be effective in helping people to manage their emotions, cope with stress and anxiety, and establish meaningful connections. Animals have been found to be calming, non-judgemental, and non-threatening, which allows for an environment where healing can occur.
People who have experienced trauma often have difficulty developing trust and relationships with other people. AAT can help survivors of trauma develop relationships with animals, providing them with a safe and comforting connection. AAT can also help to reduce physical symptoms associated with trauma, such as heart rate, respiration, and muscle tension.
AAT can also provide a person with a sense of autonomy, independence, and empowerment. Survivors of trauma may be hesitant to open up to others, or take part in traditional therapies. With AAT, they are able to take control of their experience and enjoy the comfort of being around animals.
Finally, AAT is a cost-effective form of therapy. Connected Brain Counseling currently offers AAT with a licensed therapist at no additional cost to a regular therapy session. Additionally, there are many resources available for finding dogs in therapy near you, and other places providing animal assisted therapy near you.
Animal Assisted Therapy As An Alternative Form of Treatment
Animal assisted therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy has been found to be beneficial for people of all ages and walks of life, particularly those who have experienced trauma. AAT can be used in combination with more traditional forms of therapy, such as talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, to further enhance the effectiveness of treatment. In addition to AAT, there are several other forms of therapy available for trauma survivors.
Counseling, for example, can provide a safe space for survivors to process their emotions and experiences. Counseling is often provided by therapists in the Denver area who specialize in treating trauma survivors. Neurofeedback is another form of therapy used to help regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms associated with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Neurofeedback therapy is provided by clinicians who specialize in neurofeedback and counseling, both of which are offered at Connected Brain Counseling near downtown Denver in conjunction with Animal Assisted Therapy.
No matter what type of therapy you choose, it is important to find the right therapist or clinic to best suit your individual needs. AAT is becoming increasingly popular, so it's important to look for an animal assisted therapy provider who understands this form of therapy with a safe and welcoming therapy animal. There are also many dogs in therapy programs that specialize in providing canine-assisted therapy. Finding the right therapist or program can make all the difference in the success of your recovery journey. Get started with Animal Assisted Therapy at Connected Brain Counseling today with a free 20 minute phone consultation.