Animal-Assisted Therapy
Presented to the administration at the
Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero
Proposal submitted by
Alexandra Serino, MS, ATR
Registered Art Therapist
Certified AAT Handler
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
II. METHODS OF ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY
III. ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY IN PSYCHIATRIC SETTINGS
IV. ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY AT THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE HOSPITALS
V. CONCLUSION
VI. LESSON PLANS & ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTIVES
VII. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Acknowledgments
Introduction
While strolling along a popular boardwalk with my dog, Cheswick, I was quickly surrounded by a dozen people who wanted to pet him. Cheswick, however, focused on a distraught young
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Research has shown that interactions with animals have a positive impact on us both physically and emotionally. Physically, petting an animal has been shown to reduce risk for cardiovascular and chronic diseases, lowers blood pressure response to mental stress, and has a positive effect on the pain level a patient may experience. Emotionally, interactions with animals activates the Social Brain, also known as the Limbic System, common to all mammals, which is expressed in a need for connection to others (Sapolsky, 2015). Animals give us hope, understanding, love, and …show more content…
They ask no questions and they pass no criticism.” The idea behind AAT is that individuals struggling physically, mentally or emotionally, can benefit from an animal’s trusting and loving behavior because animals do not pass judgement and treat everyone the same, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Thereby, animals model behaviors that individuals should demonstrate with each other. Research suggests that individuals who learn to be kind to animals have a better chance at developing empathy, self-esteem and social skills. The psychological problems for which AATs are used include schizophrenia, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum and a host of developmental
Case Study: Puckett Animal Hospital In the case study of Puckett Animal Hospital, veterinarian Dr. Richard Puckett struggles to find the right course of action for his growing business. Rich demonstrates genuine concern for his employees, providing both hourly and salaried workers access to benefits and continuing education. Rich is forced to cut costs when an increase in minimum wage nearly double the hourly workers’ rate of pay, and. Rich has a history of investing in his employees, and this investment has paid off—his business is growing, and clients are happy.
Animals who are able to surpass these barriers are able to receive our empathy and their rights, but in Jeremy Rifkin’s, “A Change of Heart About Animals,” he talks ideas about all animals should receive our empathy for great acts of the few. The individual animal receive its equal rights, not by a single entity achieving it for the mass, but by the individual must showing intelligences, emotions and feelings, and most importantly, the ability to co-exist with others; including human and other animals alike. An animal must show intelligences, the ability to communicate, solve problems, and follow simple instructions. In “A Change of Heart About Animals,” Rifkin refers to a gorilla, named Koko, who learned sign language.
In the article titled "A Change of Heart About Animals," (2003), author Jeremy Rifkin addresses that contrary to previous research and discovery, new breakthroughs in science are finding that animals are more comparable to humans than we once thought, and as a result, human empathy should be extended towards them. Rifkin supports his claim by providing numerous examples of studies that show capabilities of animals to make tools (crows), develop complex language skills (Gorilla), and present signs of self-awareness (Orangutan); things once believed only to be human characteristics (Rifkin 7, 8, 10). The author's purpose is to inform and convince the readers that empathy should be inclusive to all animals by providing a multitude of studies,
According to Jeremy Rifkin’s article, “A Change of Heart About Animals,” research has shown that animals are more similar to humans than originally believed. Through the many studies provided, Rifkin claims the need to provide better treatment towards animals. While animals deserve and could benefit from a more humane treatment than what is currently provided, they may not necessarily require a human-like lifestyle simply because of their similarities to humans.
"Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way”-John Muir. Evidence from Hoot, Temple, and research shows that people can improve their lives through interacting and observing animals, because animals comfort autistic children, help you make new friends, and help you go out of your comfort zone. In the novel Hoot Roy's life improves because of the owls. Temple Grandin has an amazing story, if it weren't for animals she wouldn't be able to do what she can today. Dogs help autistic children feel safe.
A long time ago, animals played a huge role in people’s lives. For example, they would rely on animals for the things they needed, such as food, clothing, and transportation. People back then acted differently. In some societies people would worship animals as gods. At least, 12 - 14,000 years ago, people realized that if they took a baby wolf, they could train it, and it would be friendly when the wolf was full grown.
Corgis, Pomeranians, Saint Bernards, and Labrador Retrievers. What do all of these furry friends have in common? They can all be a part of a group known as therapy dogs. Therapy dogs are specially trained dogs who can help a variety of people in different settings. Imagine one day you are in a crowded area and all of a sudden you can't breath and are panicking because there are so many people around you.
In the op-ed piece “A Change of Heart about Animals”, Jeremy Rifkin emphasizes the similarities between humans and animals by providing results on scientific research studies to illustrate that humans should be more empathetic towards animals. In addition, he further explains how research results have changed the ways humans perceived animals and indicates solutions that were taken by other countries and organizations to help improve and protect animal rights. Rifkin provides examples that demonstrate animals have emotions, conceptual abilities, self awareness, and a sense of individualism just like humans. For example, Pigs crave for affection and get depressed easily when isolated, two birds Betty and Abel have tool making skills, Koko
State of Science Animal Assisted therapy is the intentional use of animals as part of the therapeutic process in treating an individual (Nimer & Lundahl, 2007). Animal assisted therapies have shown promise for a variety of clinical applications
A service dog is a type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities. These dogs have helped people for a very long time, but having service dog isn’t perfect. Imagine you are a dog trained to help a disabled person. Would it feel good or bad? Dogs are still dogs, no matter how much they are trained.
Get An Emotional Support Animal Prescription From Experienced Therapist People those who are all has a mental disability and they recommended to carry an emotional support animal everywhere. It is one of the best and important parts of a treatment program to certain people with emotional disabilities and psychological conditions. These animals give a comfort to the patients those who have emotional disability problems. The mental health professionals like licensed therapist, psychiatrist and psychologist are authorized to prescribe the animal support according to the air carrier access act and fair housing act. Apart from that, there are many ways are available to treat emotional conditions and disabilities.
Page 1: San Pedro, CA, veterinarian - http://www.veterinariansanpedro.com/veterinarians.html Since our furry and feathered friends aren 't likely to literally tell us when they 're not feeling well, the services of a reliable veterinarian are invaluable. Peninsula Pet Clinic has been interpreting pet speak and healing sick animals in San Pedro, CA, since 1978. Our highly experienced veterinary staff utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose all sorts of issues in typical and exotic creatures. We understand that you 're entrusting your beloved companion to our care. You 'll appreciate our dedication to client satisfaction as we tend to your pet with: Vaccinations
While many pet owners claim that their pets actually do make them feel better, there are still some skeptics. However, research studies show that pets do have a very positive impact on various aspects of our health. In fact, according to “In Their Innocence and Wisdom” by Lilly Calandrello, studies have correlated pet ownership with the following health benefits: lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, better psychological health, lower heart attack rates, higher survival rates following coronary heart disease, enhanced self-esteem and social interaction. So as people take care of their companion animals, the animals are in turn taking care of their
Animals in Research and Testing According to PETA, the animals who are in research and testing “shake and cower in fear whenever someone walks past their cages and their blood pressure spikes drastically. After enduring lives of pain, loneliness and terror, almost all of them will be killed,” (“Animal Testing 101”). Animal-testing is the use of non-human animals in research and development projects, especially for purposes of determining the safety of substances, such as foods, beauty products, and/or drugs. Although animal research plays a crucial role in experiments focused on disease treatments and preventions, it is cruel, inhumane, and should be stopped. This is an act that should be banned and prohibited in all states and countries
Sitara Swaroop Mrs. Geddy Honors E1, P.4 September 9, 2015 Animal Farm by George Orwell 1. The title Animal Farm represents the animals’ freedom after escaping Mr. Jones’ rule. While being led by Mr. Jones, the animals were held in a stage of slavery and had no power. They were in a position where they were living by someone else’s rules.