Can a furry friend be the key to unlocking mental wellness? How does pet therapy work? Pet therapy has become increasingly popular as a therapeutic tool in mental health, family therapy, and addiction treatment. With the help of certified animal trainers, pet therapy can assist individuals and families in developing trust and emotional connection.
If you or a loved one are looking for a holistic treatment to help heal, True Life Center offers a San Diego, California, pet therapy program that can help. Please feel free to contact us at 866.420.1792 to learn more about pet therapy benefits.
What is Pet Therapy?
Pet therapy (also known as animal-assisted therapy or AAT) is a form of psychotherapy that uses animals to provide comfort and promote self-esteem. It is typically used to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, eating disorders, substance abuse problems, and more. In pet therapy sessions, certified animal trainers will bring an animal into the session for individuals or families to interact with during therapy sessions.
How Does Pet Therapy Work?
How does pet therapy work? Pet therapy works by helping individuals develop a trusting relationship with the animal, which can then be applied to other areas of their lives. This is especially useful for people who have experienced trauma or are struggling with feelings of isolation or alienation. Pet therapy also helps individuals feel more connected and engaged in their treatment, making them more likely to stick with it over time.
Some people may be skeptical about the effectiveness of pet therapy, but there is evidence that it can be incredibly beneficial for mental health. Some studies have shown that regular pet therapy sessions can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety levels, as well as improved sleep quality and overall mood. Additionally, interacting with animals has increased feelings of empathy and compassion, both of which are critical factors in maintaining mental well-being.
The Benefits of Pet Therapy
Animal-assisted therapies can have various positive benefits for those who choose to participate in them. Here are some of the ways that pet therapy can benefit your family’s mental well-being:
- Promotes relaxation: Spending time with animals can reduce stress levels and promote peace. This can make it easier for individuals to open up about their feelings in a safe environment.
- Improves mood – Interacting with an animal can lift one’s spirits and improve overall mood. This can create positive feelings that may not otherwise be present during family therapy sessions without the presence of an animal.
- Encourages communication – Pets provide non-judgmental companionship, which makes it easier for individuals to express themselves more openly during sessions. Pets also help break down barriers between people, which makes communication more natural and comfortable for all parties involved.
- Builds trust – Building trust with an animal helps build trust between people and between therapist and client/family member(s). Trusting relationships are essential for any successful counseling or psychotherapy session.
To learn more about how pet therapy can benefit you specifically, reach out to a center that offers pet therapy.
Where Can I Find Pet Therapy?
If you are looking for pet therapy services in California, True Life Center provides pet-assisted counseling sessions onsite at our facility near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Our qualified counselors use evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) combined with AAT techniques like music or art therapies to give clients the best chance at achieving lasting results from their treatment program. Contact us today if you would like more information about our pet-assisted counseling services or if you would like to schedule an appointment!
Discover Pet Therapy Benefits at True Life Center
Pet therapy has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Many people have found it beneficial when used alongside traditional therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), art or music therapies during addiction treatment, and mental wellness programs. The benefits of interacting with animals include improved moods, increased relaxation levels, better communication skills, and building trusting relationships, all essential components of any successful counseling session or treatment program. If you are interested in learning more about how True Life Center’s pet-assisted counseling services can benefit your family’s mental health journey, then please get in touch with us today at 866.420.1792.
