Animal-assisted therapy services in Ballarat

What is animal-assisted therapy?

Animal-assisted therapy (also known as AAT) is a therapeutic approach that draws from the potential of the human-animal bond to enhance the benefits of evidence-based psychological treatments. Observation and study of the use of animals in therapy has grown exponentially since the work of Boris Levinson in the 1970’s. Today, there is reliable scientific evidence that incorporating animals in therapy has a range of potential benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety associated with engaging in therapy, improving communication and social skills, decreasing cortisol (the stress hormone), and increasing oxytocin (the feel-good hormone). For many of us who have known the love of animals and pets, science is just supporting what we have known intuitively for a long time: that challenges can be easier when we have our pets by our side.

The human-animal bond

The human-animal bond is a unique, mutually beneficial relationship between humans and animals, characterised by emotional, physical, and social connections. Rooted in thousands of years of companionship and cooperation, this bond transcends species and plays a vital role in human well-being. Animals provide comfort, companionship, and unconditional love, offering support during moments of joy and hardship alike. This bond is not one-sided; humans reciprocate by fostering trust and loyalty. Meaningful facilitation of this bond between clients and animals in therapy can create a uniquely positive and safe space in which to explore challenging therapy treatment work.

Whether it’s the wag of a dog’s tail, the purr of a cat, or the gentle presence of a horse, the human-animal bond continues to enrich lives in profound and enduring ways. At Barking Mad Company, we have been privileged to witness the transformative effects of the human-animal bond in clients of all ages and presentations.

Be sure to have a look at our other animal therapy services and treatment areas, including individual therapy and men’s mental health.

Fostering client-animal connections can create a supportive environment to explore challenging therapy treatment work.
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How does animal-assisted and dog-assisted therapy work?

Whilst it has become common to hear the term ‘therapy dog’ applied in many ways and places, the professional application of AAT requires specialised training – for both the practitioner and the animal. In addition to their professional qualifications, our psychologists have formal training as specific handlers of the animals they work with in therapy. They only work with dogs they have trained with and been certified as a handler and therapy dog team.

The aim of engaging in animal-assisted therapy is not a therapy modality itself but rather a technique applied to enhance the benefits of established evidence-based psychological strategies. Our psychologists deliver treatments using a range of modalities including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Schema therapy, narrative therapy, reminiscence therapy, and play therapy (to name a few).

Psychologists develop a treatment plan with clients that may incorporate therapy dogs to support the implementation and understanding of a treatment strategy. In children, this might look like a practical activity that incorporates a therapy dog to illustrate and learn a new coping technique. In adults, a therapy dog may be used to illustrate psychological concepts or simply to provide a way to reduce anxiety or a ‘brain break’ from challenging therapy topics.

Who can benefit from dog therapy for mental health?

Whilst it has become common to hear the term ‘therapy dog’ applied in many ways and places, the professional application of AAT requires specialised training – for both the practitioner and the animal. In addition to their professional qualifications, our psychologists have formal training as specific handlers of the animals they work with in therapy. They only work with dogs they have trained with and been certified as a handler and therapy dog team.

The aim of engaging in animal-assisted therapy is not a therapy modality itself but rather a technique applied to enhance the benefits of established evidence-based psychological strategies. Our psychologists deliver treatments using a range of modalities including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Schema therapy, narrative therapy, reminiscence therapy, and play therapy (to name a few).

Psychologists develop a treatment plan with clients that may incorporate therapy dogs to support the implementation and understanding of a treatment strategy. In children, this might look like a practical activity that incorporates a therapy dog to illustrate and learn a new coping technique. In adults, a therapy dog may be used to illustrate psychological concepts or simply to provide a way to reduce anxiety or a ‘brain break’ from challenging therapy topics.

How can I engage in animal-assisted therapy in Ballarat?

Whilst it has become common to hear the term ‘therapy dog’ applied in many ways and places, the professional application of AAT requires specialised training – for both the practitioner and the animal. In addition to their professional qualifications, our psychologists have formal training as specific handlers of the animals they work with in therapy. They only work with dogs they have trained with and been certified as a handler and therapy dog team.

The aim of engaging in canine mental health therapy is not a therapy modality itself but rather a technique applied to enhance the benefits of established evidence-based psychological strategies. Our psychologists deliver treatments using a range of modalities including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Schema therapy, narrative therapy, reminiscence therapy, and play therapy (to name a few).

Psychologists develop a treatment plan with clients that may incorporate therapy dogs to support the implementation and understanding of a treatment strategy. In children, this might look like a practical activity that incorporates a therapy dog to illustrate and learn a new coping technique. In adults, a therapy dog may be used to illustrate psychological concepts or simply to provide a way to reduce anxiety or a ‘brain break’ from challenging therapy topics.

Interconnecting graphic for Barking Mad Company

At Barking Mad Company, we mostly work in a format known as the ‘triad’ model. This means your psychologist is also a trained therapy dog handler who facilitates your session and manages the therapy dog whilst enabling you to build your own connection with them.

There are traditionally three ways we might collaborate to incorporate AAT into your treatment:

Subject

We may incorporate behavioural examples and animal topics to illustrate therapy concepts. This is particularly useful when working with young people.

Participant

A therapy dog might be an active participant in your therapy activities such as grounding or mindfulness or games and creative play.

Enhancement

A therapy dog may be an enhancement to evidence-based treatments by reducing anxiety and physiological symptoms or supporting communication.

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