https://wikimd.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Animal-assisted_therapyAnimal-assisted therapy - Revision history2026-04-27T13:52:36ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=Animal-assisted_therapy&diff=5904713&oldid=prevKondreddy Naveen at 20:56, 14 June 20242024-06-14T20:56:48Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[file:Therapiehund.jpg|thumb|Therapiehund]] <br />
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[[file:Therapeutic_horseback_riding_2.JPG|thumb|Therapeutic horseback riding 2|left]] {{Short description|Therapeutic intervention involving animals}}<br />
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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}<br />
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'''Animal-assisted therapy''' ('''AAT''') is a type of [[therapy]] that involves animals as a form of treatment. The goal of AAT is to improve a patient's social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. This type of therapy can be used in a variety of settings, including [[hospitals]], [[nursing homes]], and [[schools]].<br />
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==History==<br />
The use of animals in therapy dates back to the 18th century. The earliest recorded use of animals in a therapeutic setting was at the [[York Retreat]] in England, where patients with [[mental illness]] were encouraged to interact with animals. In the 1960s, Dr. Boris Levinson, a child psychologist, discovered the benefits of using his dog, Jingles, in therapy sessions with children. This led to the formal recognition of AAT as a therapeutic practice.<br />
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==Types of Animals Used==<br />
Various types of animals can be used in AAT, including:<br />
* [[Dogs]]<br />
* [[Cats]]<br />
* [[Horses]] (often referred to as [[equine-assisted therapy]])<br />
* [[Rabbits]]<br />
* [[Birds]]<br />
* [[Guinea pigs]]<br />
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[[file:Stella_at_school..jpg|thumb|Stella at school.]] <br />
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==Benefits==<br />
Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to provide numerous benefits, including:<br />
* Reduced [[stress]] and [[anxiety]]<br />
* Improved [[mood]]<br />
* Enhanced [[social interaction]]<br />
* Increased [[motivation]] for therapy<br />
* Lowered [[blood pressure]] and [[heart rate]]<br />
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==Applications==<br />
AAT can be applied in various fields, such as:<br />
* [[Mental health]]: Used to treat conditions like [[depression]], [[anxiety disorders]], and [[post-traumatic stress disorder]] (PTSD).<br />
* [[Physical therapy]]: Helps patients recover from injuries or surgeries by encouraging movement and exercise.<br />
* [[Education]]: Assists children with [[learning disabilities]] or [[autism spectrum disorder]] in improving their social and cognitive skills.<br />
* [[Elder care]]: Provides companionship and emotional support to elderly individuals in [[nursing homes]] or [[assisted living]] facilities.<br />
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==Training and Certification==<br />
Therapists who wish to incorporate AAT into their practice typically undergo specialized training and certification. Organizations such as [[Pet Partners]] and the [[American Kennel Club]] offer programs to certify therapy animals and their handlers.<br />
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==Related Pages==<br />
* [[Therapy]]<br />
* [[Mental health]]<br />
* [[Physical therapy]]<br />
* [[Equine-assisted therapy]]<br />
* [[Pet therapy]]<br />
* [[Occupational therapy]]<br />
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==See Also==<br />
* [[Pet therapy]]<br />
* [[Service animal]]<br />
* [[Emotional support animal]]<br />
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[[Category:Therapy]]<br />
[[Category:Animal welfare]]<br />
[[Category:Alternative medicine]]<br />
[[Category:Psychotherapy]]<br />
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