Psychologists play a crucial role in helping clients manage their emotional and physical wellbeing. Whilst traditional therapeutic methods are essential to the therapy process, animal assisted therapy has emerged as innovative approach that has been gaining popularity in Australia.
Through incorporating animals into therapeutic practices, psychologists can offer a unique and effective way to help patients manage a range of mental health issues.
What Is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Animal-assisted therapy involves using trained animals, typically dogs, horses, or even smaller animals like rabbits or guinea pigs, to facilitate the therapeutic process.
In the context of psychology, therapy animals are introduced into sessions to provide emotional support, encourage social interaction, and help patients engage with their emotions in a non-threatening way.
The Role of Therapy Animals in Psychological Treatment
While not all animals are suited for therapy work, those chosen for animal-assisted therapy are specially trained to be calm, patient and responsive to the needs of clients. In Australia, dogs are by far the most common therapy animals used in psychological settings. Therapy dogs can help patients reduce anxiety, improve mood and foster a sense of safety in therapeutic environments.
For psychologists, incorporating a therapy animal into sessions can create a more relaxed atmosphere, making patients feel more comfortable and open. The presence of a therapy animal can reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (the bonding hormone) which promote feelings of trust and emotional well-being. This can be especially beneficial in trauma-focused therapy or when working with children and individuals with anxiety disorders.
Why Psychologists Should Consider Animal Therapy
Integrating animal-assisted therapy into a psychological practice can provide many benefits to both therapists and clients. Animals can bring a unique, comforting and supportive element to therapy.
For psychologists considering adopting this approach, there are several key steps to take:
- Ensuring proper training and certification for animals,
- Obtaining the right insurance coverage,
- Understanding legal and ethical considerations, and
- Ensuring that the animal’s welfare is always maintained.
The benefits of animal therapy are clear, and with careful planning and the right training, psychologists in Australia can integrate animal therapy into their practices to support their clients’ mental health in meaningful ways.
If you’re a psychologist in Australia interested in incorporating animal therapy into your practice, it’s worth ensuring that you select an insurance provider who understands the unique risks and needs of mental health professionals working with animals. This will ensure you’re adequately protected as you expand your therapeutic approach to include these wonderful four-legged partners in healing.
insurance.com.au offers health professionals Professional Indemnity & Public Liability insurance, with animal-assisted therapy as an improved modality. If you’re considering introducing animals into your professional practice, contact our team today to ensure you have the right coverage.
Contact our team today via the details below for more information
