Ridgewood NJ, there is something profoundly wonderful about our furry, four-legged friends. Animals provide comfort, joy, and nonjudgmental support, and can even be used in animal therapy to help people build relationships, face fears, and develop or improve behavioral skills.
Why Do Animals Make Us Feel Better?
According to the National Institutes of Health, interactions with animals offer several positive health benefits, including:
- Decreased cortisol levels (stress hormone)
- Lowered blood pressure
- Reduced feelings of loneliness
- Boosted mood
These benefits are believed to occur because interacting with animals releases oxytocin. Additionally, owning a pet, such as a dog, can help increase physical activity levels and lower complications for those suffering from cardiovascular disease.
Who May Benefit From Animal Therapy?
While owning a pet can provide general health benefits, such as increased activity levels and decreased loneliness, guided animal therapy can yield even better results for those struggling with more significant issues.
Animal therapy is often recommended for a variety of mental health conditions and can help people achieve their educational, professional, or personal goals. It has been proven effective for many groups, including:
- Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder
- People with substance use disorder
- Individuals with behavior issues
For instance, equine therapy can be especially powerful for those facing substantial challenges. “By working with animals, people can discover they can change an outcome based on new behavior,” explains Mary Ann Brewer, therapeutic equine specialist at Carrier Clinic. This realization can help individuals understand how altering their behavior or interactions can lead to better outcomes in their everyday lives.
How Animal Therapy Can Help
Mary Ann Brewer highlights several benefits of equine therapy:
- Equine therapy can be transformative for those struggling with significant hurdles. “By working with animals, people can discover they can change an outcome based on new behavior,” Brewer says. This can help individuals understand how their actions impact others and lead to improved interactions.
- Animal therapy can facilitate discussions about new concepts, such as consent or the impact of participants’ behavior on others.
- Animals provide a safe way to convey previously withheld information. For example, someone might say an animal has a history of abuse, using it as a projection to discuss their own experiences safely.
The benefits of animal therapy, particularly equine therapy, depend on the participant’s motivation. “Some make significant changes after just one session,” says Brewer. “Others will have a dozen sessions before changes begin to emerge.”
Next Steps & Resources
To make an appointment with a behavioral health specialist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website. Learn more about behavioral health at Hackensack Meridian Health and the equine therapy program at Carrier Clinic.
Discover the transformative power of animal therapy and embark on a journey toward better mental health and well-being.
I love my dog!