BENEFITS, RISKS AND RULES OF CANINE ASSITED PSYCHOTHERAPY
The presence of a dog can help clients express blocked, difficult, and painful thoughts and emotions.
Many people, especially those with a history of abuse, find it difficult to open up to anyone, especially a therapist who is a stranger. However, the soothing presence of a friendly dog can make you feel more comfortable in letting your guard down.
Therapists can use therapy dogs to model healthy social interactions.
You can observe how the therapist interacts with the dog, and how the dog responds in turn. You can then practice appropriate behavior in the session. Dogs give immediate feedback, so if the dog isn’t responding favorably (ex: if the client is being a bit too aggressive or the dog senses hostility) this can be a powerful teaching tool.
Therapists can use the interactions between their clients and the therapy dog as a catalyst for discussion, as well as to increase valuable insight into the client.
For example, if you perceive that Janelle is guarded or distant, I can ask you about other situations or relationships in your life that may be similar.
Canine-assisted therapy brings the power of touch and affection into the therapy session.
As a general rule, therapists need to maintain strict boundaries when it comes to touching their clients. Which is to not, ever unless for medical emergencies.
Dogs accept people and give unconditional positive regard.
They don’t care if a person is divorced, had an affair, or is recuperating from an addiction. They don’t care if a person is unattractive, overweight, or has a physical deformity.
Physical benefits
- Lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone)
- Pain reduction
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduction in heart rate
- Improved cholesterol levels
- Release of oxytocin (the hormone associated with feelings of love)
- Cardiovascular benefits
Therapy animals can be a vital part of the treatment team; I hope that you are comfortable with Janelle’s presence in your sessions. However, because she is an animal, and not a human, we are responsible for her welfare. In addition, because she is an animal, her behavior cannot always be predictable. Therefore, it is important to discuss in advance the risks and rules needed to insure Janelle’s and your safety and health to try to create as safe a working situation as possible. In addition, it is important to provide you with warning about the potential that could be present when working with animals
RISKS:
- You may opt to not have her a part of your session. You may make your appointments on days Janelle is not present in the office.
- Animals have their own natural defenses. While I will do everything possible to prevent any injury, it is possible that someone will get scratched or bitten.
- Animals often use their mouths in play. Therefore, even when playing, it is possible for light biting to occur. When playing with a toy with Janelle, she may miss the toy and get your finger. When she realizes this, she releases and does not bite down, but you may still feel her teeth.
- While Janelle has been screened by a veterinarian before commencing to work as a Psychotherapy animal, animals do sometimes carry disease. Because your contact is minimal, this risk is very small. Janelle is up to date on all of her vaccinations.
- There may still be risk for allergic reaction. Please let me know if you typically have allergies to animals.
RULES:
- Animals have individual rights, just as each client has rights. Therefore, Janelle is allowed to determine if and when she participates with others. While it may be planned to have her in session, she will never be forced to do so.
- Janelle has her own quiet space in the office where she can rest, sleep, or just take a quiet break. She should not be disturbed when she is in this area.
- Janelle should always be treated gently. She should never be hit, have her tail or any other parts pulled, be carried or treated in any other way that is uncomfortable to her.
- Janelle will always need me present in any therapeutic situation.
- If Janelle becomes irritated, scared, or in any way acts in a negative manner, I will put her in a safe place. No other person should touch her at these times.
- Janelle can only be carried by her therapist handler.
- Because of the unpredictability of animals in unfamiliar situations, clients may not bring their own animal to be involved in their therapy session.
- Parents or guardians of children under the age of 13 must remain on the premises during their child’s session