Animal assisted therapy
History of Animal Assisted Therapy
The first account of intentional use of an animal assisted intervention was in the 1700s. Later in the 1800s, research of handwritten notes from Sigmund Freud (who was an anxious, shy man) informed us that he began bringing his dog Jofi to his therapy sessions to help calm and relax him. When Freud was calmer and more relaxed, he became a more confident and effective clinician, and did better work with his patients. Freud was not the only one impacted by Jofi though. He quickly discovered that his patients too, were more relaxed, open, and engaged when Jofi was there. They were more likely to self-disclose in the presence of Jofi and made better and sometimes quicker progress. This began the work of animal assisted therapy in a multitude of setting.
How does it work?
Studies have shown many great benefits of animals in the field of mental health. In therapy sessions, our dogs can help reduce stress/anxiety-related symptoms, reduce depression-related symptoms (increased oxytocin levels and decreased cortisol levels have been found when petting or in proximity to dogs), support holistic wellness, support resilience factors, aid in social interaction work, provide comfort, provide a distraction/disruption from negative experiences when doing trauma work, can help create feelings of joy, reduce heartrate/blood pressure, provide grounding, and provide unconditional positive regard. (Just to name a few!). Further, research indicates that our brains mirror the actions, emotions, intentions, and the mindset of others near them (including animals). So, by being with animals who are very mindful (focused on the present) our brains will mirror this behavior/emotional mindset.
Is Animal Assisted Therapy appropriate for me?
Animal assisted therapy is appropriate for many people! You may be someone who already knows that animals help you feel more relaxed, happier, and/or more secure in differing environments and therefore you can make it known that you would be open to having one of our "co-therapists" as part of your treatment plan (Dr. Tacoma will let you know ahead of time when a dog will be in the office so you can decide if you'd like him in your session or not). In other cases, Dr. Tacoma may notice through her work with you that one of her therapy dogs may be helpful in aiding you in relaxation, emotional regulation, behavioral rehearsal, etc. and will suggest trying a visit.
Are your dogs trained for Animal Assisted Therapy?
While there is no specific "training" needed for therapy dogs, both Dr. Tacoma and her dogs have been through a variety of work together. Both dogs have gone through a range of obedience training alongside Dr. Tacoma. Both dogs have been evaluated and certified for therapy work through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Dr. Tacoma has taken a number of courses in Emotional Support Animal Evaluations, as well as a comprehensive course in Animal Assisted Therapy.
Meet the Team
Bane is an AKC registered boxer (his unusual coloring is called a sealed brindle). He was born in 2019 and since then has earned his star puppy achievement, his novice tricks dog certificate and his canine good citizen award. He passed his therapy dog certification through the alliance of therapy dogs in 2022. Bane had his first experience in therapy in February of 2020- he was 4 months old and at that time he thought his patient should just stop being worried and start playing with him! At 2.5 years old, he's now better at meeting his patients where they're at: sometimes they need a little cheering up, but other times they just need him to be there while they cry. Bane is a good cuddler and likes to curl up on the couch with you (or on you!) Because he's a little bad with personal space, he's a great tool to help patients learn how to set boundaries and to advocate for themselves. Don't be afraid to say, "Bane, (or Dr. Nicole!) I'm ready for a little space from him now!"
Crash is an AKC Rottweiler. He was born in 2020 and we adopted him from a family who could no longer care for him. We cherish their bravery and sacrifice in recognizing that someone else could provide for him better. Crash has taken multiple obedience classes and passed his therapy dog certification with The Alliance of Therapy Dogs in 2022. His first experience with therapy was in January of 2022 at a little over a year old and he was great at giving hugs (and ear kisses) to an upset patient. Crash is a perfect canine therapist for when you need something big to hug, for fearful or traumatized patients who want to feel safe, and for kids who are working on reading or talking to others. Because he can be a little stubborn with commands, he's also great for adults to work on their "assertive voices"!
References:
Berget, B., Ekeberg, Ø., & Braastad, B. O. (2008). Animal-Assisted Therapy with Farm
Animals for Persons with Psychiatric Disorders: Effects on Self-Efficacy, Coping
Ability and Quality of Life. Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health: CP &
EMH, 4, 9
Cherniack, E. P., & Cherniack, A. R. (2014). The Benefit of Pets and Animal-Assisted
Therapy to the Health of Older Individuals. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics
Research, 1-9
Barak Y., Savorai O., Mavashev S., & Beni, A. (2001). Animal-Assisted Therapy for
Elderly Schizophrenic Patients: a One-Year Controlled Trial. American Journal of
Psychiatry, 9: 4,439-42
Ko, Hae-Jin, Youn, Chang-Ho, Kim, Seong-Hyun, & Kim So-Yun. (2016). Effect of Pet
Insects on the Psychological Health of Community-Dwelling Elderly People: A SingleBlinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial, Gerontology 62, 2: 200-209
Rick Yount, R., Ritchie, E.C., St. Laurent, M., Chumley, P., Daley Olmert, M. (2013). The
Role of Service Dog Training in the Treatment of Combat-Related PTSD. Psychiatric
Annals, 43: 6, 292-295
Barker, S. B., & Dawson, K. S. (1998). The Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on
Anxiety Ratings of Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients. Psychiatric Services, 49: 6, 797-
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