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Llama Assisted Therapy for those with Special Needs
HEALING WITH ANIMALS
Animals are non-judgmental or prejudice. They accept people in whatever emotional state they are in and are patient and consistently welcoming. There is a natural affinity between humans and animals and using animals in therapeutic work engages this.
Animals are also non-verbal so they can just be with us quietly and comfortably. They keep confidences spoken from the heart. Many people state that they feel animals are less rejecting of them and give clearer messages to them than humans do. For all these reasons, people are able to become healthier by being with animals in a non-threatening environment.
One of the most compelling aspects of psychotherapy is the opportunity for people to form positive bonds and attachments. Grooming, feeding and learning to care for an animal requires that the person spend time with the animal to meet its needs. Animals will accept food from anyone, young offender, person with mental health issued, children, barn staff. Attachment is not only possible in this non-threatening and nonjudgmental relationship, it is inevitable!
WHAT EXACTLY DOES RESEARCH SAY ?
First, working with animals provides motivation for people to reach their therapeutic goals and exert themselves in ways that are challenging for them, e.g., forcing themselves to go to the farm to see their favorite animal, or taking animal for a walk, then they are otherwise afraid to go out alone. The motivation that working with the animal provides leads the person to overcome fears, socialize, build self-esteem and confidence and leads to a healthier, more normalized life.
Second, it a well– researched fact that having animals in our lives can mean less trips to the doctor, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and decreases in heart attacks. People are physically healthier when around animals and there has even been research to support the fact that our immune systems are stronger when were own or spend much time around animals. It is common for people with mental health issues to suffer from physical ailments as a result of stress or the long-term physical effects of their medication. Animals provide a natural remedy for some of the problems faced by the population.
Third, animals are beneficial for emotional development. People who have contact with animals tend to have higher self-esteem, be more involved in activities such as sports, hobbies, clubs or chores and develop more nurturing behavior. They also tend to be more empathetic toward both animals and people. Children with autism who own pets have more social behaviors and less autistic behaviors such as self-absorption. It has been noted that people who own pets cope better with stress, are more active, and less lonely.
Due to recent research projects that support these findings, many practitioners and programs—from therapeutic riding to pet visitation programs in hospitals— are finding that animals can often reach and help a person in ways our Doctors are only beginning to understand.
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