What makes Animal Assisted Therapy so Great? (Part 2)

Benefits of AAT

The benefits of AAT for individuals have been shown to include consistent improvements over four main areas:

• Autism spectrum symptoms (e.g., positive social interactions and communication)
• Medical difficulties (e.g., lowering of heart rate and blood pressure and increased motor skills & co-ordination)
• Behavioural problems (e.g., reduction in verbal resistance, aggression, violence & increased compliance with rules)
• Emotional well-being (e.g., reduction in anxiety, fear & depression

Research Findings

Findings from research on the outcomes of AAT suggests that this form of therapy is a calming and engaging approach, that improves health conditions. AAT has been found to offer unique benefits for encouraging social development, positively influencing an individual’s experiences of anxiety and increasing engagement in daily activities and self-care. Additionally, by building positive and trusting relationships with therapy animals, individuals are able to learn trust and skills through their interactions which then functions as an ‘emotional bridge’ to support the expansion of learnt skills into relationships with others in their social worlds.

Outcomes

The ability to engage safely with another being and practice social and emotional skills without the fear of judgement or rejection is a powerful tool to build confidence in a sometimes overwhelming social world. Trained therapy dogs such as Bacardi and Kaluah have repeatedly shown their openness to helping others and provided a safe social experience where care, compassion and acceptance is given freely. There is no need to fear rejection with this patient and loving duo, they love to help others and to share their strength to help ground you through difficult times. This grounding then allows you to engage in more open emotional expression, processing what has in the past been too painful to express. By having this opportunity, you can move forward from what has been holding you back so you can move forward into the future and thrive.

In the realm of counselling, finding the right support is akin to finding the perfect pair of jeans – each individual is unique, and the key to feeling comfortable and confident lies in finding the perfect fit tailored to you.

At Insight Therapies (based in Albury / Wodonga), we understand that everyone’s journey to self-discovery and healing is unique, and we’re here to help you navigate through the challenges with compassion and understanding. Led by our dedicated team, we are experienced in providing support to individuals with diverse neurological conditions. Our mission is simple: to create a safe and inclusive space where you can feel heard, valued, and supported every step of the way.

Neurodivergence refers to the diversity of the human brain and cognition and is a term that encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions, including Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability. For those who live with diversity, everyday life in a world set up for the neurotypical community can present unique challenges. From struggling to interpret social cues and struggling with mood regulation to feeling overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, the journey can sometimes feel like trying to navigate through a maze with no map. Add past traumas into the mix, and it’s easy to understand why many individuals may feel isolated and misunderstood. At Insight Therapies, we recognise the complexity of these challenges and are here to offer tailored support to help you find your way.

One of the most significant hurdles faced by neurodiverse individuals is the feeling of not fitting in or being misunderstood. At Insight Therapies, we believe in the power of creating a safe and inclusive environment where you can be your authentic self without fear of judgement or rejection. Through active listening and empathy, we strive to validate your experiences and foster a sense of belonging and acceptance. We create a space where you can feel truly seen, heard and understood, not just by us, but by yourself as well.

We also understand that experiences of trauma can further complicate the challenges of everyday life and the development of relationships, particularly on your ability to trust and form meaningful connections. Our team is here to support you with patience and sensitivity as you navigate the journey of healing and rebuilding those connections. By fostering relationships based on mutual respect and understanding, we empower you to cultivate authentic and fulfilling connections in your life.

Seeking support from experienced professionals like us can make all the difference in your journey. With our expertise and understanding, we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, helping you develop coping strategies and grow personally along the way. Whether you’re looking for guidance in navigating social interactions or processing past traumas, we’re here to provide you with the support and tools you need to thrive.

Our commitment to heartfelt support goes beyond just the professional. We believe in the power of human connection and strive to build a genuine relationship with you based on trust and respect. By sharing our own experiences and insights, we hope to create a sense of solidarity and understanding that helps you feel less alone on your journey.

If you’re ready to take the next step on your journey of self-discovery and healing, we’re here to support you every step of the way. To book a session with Insight Therapies Albury / Wodonga, simply visit our website and follow the booking prompts on our Contact Us page or call 0492 881 360.

Remember, you’re not alone – we’re here to help you navigate through the challenges and find the support you need to thrive.