Animals are now part of many branches of psychotherapy, for instance, physical therapy and crisis response. People and animals share an interesting relationship that is expanded with emotion and feelings by their interactions. What is more interesting, though, is the type of animals used for the different occasions according to the patient's mental health. For example, cats and parrots are being included into therapy for people with aggression and impulse control problems. Larger animals, on the other hand, are being used in physical therapy, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association states, especially for teenagers to control their behavior. In fact, animals are "calming" people facing stressful situations, including anxiety. .
Pets can be good for our health and for our well being according to Phil Arkow who teaches courses on Animal-Assisted Therapy at Camden County College in Blackwood, NJ, declares that. Animals are being included in rehabilitation centers, behavioral health programs, hospitals, and homes to facilitate people's life. Arkow, as well as Thompson, they both believe animals are the main ingredient for soothing people. That is why dogs are being used in correctional facilities and with juvenile offenders so they can learn empathy and compassion. Studies also show that dogs can help reluctant readers to read. It is permitted in courtrooms to have animals to calm people who get up to testify, according to Bill Kueser, the vice president of marketing for the Delta Society. Also, dogs have been a reliable source ever since 9/11 terrorists attacks, to calm people on relief crisis. Of course, dogs have been so domesticated that they are easier to introduce to different scenarios. .
AAT seems to be especially effective for children. Many children's hospitals, including Phoenix Children's Hospital, incorporate Animal-Assisted therapies to their patients. Studies and researchers have found that AAT help children in hospitals as well as in their homes.
