By Danielle Pientka, LCSW-C 6/10/2022
The psychological benefits of being around pets has been proven by researchers. While not everyone can own a pet, animal-assisted therapy allows clients to meet with a therapist and animals so they can benefit from those interactions.
Animal-assisted psychotherapy can look different, depending on your needs and goals in therapy. Sometimes you speak to your therapist while petting, brushing, or interacting with an animal. Other times, you may be given an activity or task to do with the animal.
While dogs, cats, and horses are the most common animals used in animal-assisted psychotherapy, some therapists also use other animals such as guinea pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, snakes, and more. You can always choose not to work with a certain animal if they make you uncomfortable.
Animal-assisted psychotherapy can look different, depending on your needs and goals in therapy. Sometimes you speak to your therapist while petting, brushing, or interacting with an animal. Other times, you may be given an activity or task to do with the animal.
‣ Animals offer the unconditional positive regard and acceptance that so many people are missing in their life. ‣ People are EXCITED to come to animal-assisted therapy. ‣ Animal interactions can reduce your anxiety, help you breathe more deeply, and even reduce your pain levels. ‣ Animals can help teach social skills. More statistics on the benefits of AAT: https://pawsomeadvice.com/pets/pet-therapy-statistics/
Located in Howard County, Maryland, Danielle Pientka, LCSW-C offers animal-assisted therapy at her private farm in Woodbine Maryland. The farm is located near the Carroll County border and is close to Frederick, Columbia, and Gaithersburg. Danielle works with a variety of animal partners including: goats, sheep, horses, dogs, guinea pigs, and chickens. Visit www.happyhoneysuckle.org to learn more or to make an appointment.