Pets for mental wellness: How dogs play a role in healing, therapy

  • 📰 rapplerdotcom
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 59 sec. here
  • 2 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 27%
  • Publisher: 86%

Health Health Headlines News

Health Health Latest News,Health Health Headlines

More than just the warm, fuzzy feelings that dogs bring, therapy dogs can help put patients at ease and encourage them to be more open to the treatment process. WorldMentalHealthDay

, and interacting with animals can increase one's level of oxytocin – the hormone that makes us feel happy.

But this doesn't mean simply owning pets eliminates the need for a mental health professional. AAI, she explained, is just one part of the therapeutic process – not an alternative. "We're hearing now about certain guidance counselors who have clients that start with just talking about dogs and their pets. Just bringing the dog in makes the office more attractive, not just those with existing conditions, but also those predisposed to that," Azucena said.

But once these goals are decided, there are many creative ways to let an animal be part of the healing process. For half an hour, students surround Bubu and just play with him: petting and stroking his fur, trying to shake his paw, or getting him to do tricks. They ask about his favorite things and activities, or they just simply sit around and enjoy the presence of a dog relaxed and at peace. At the end of the session, the students end up feeling a little bit calmer and happier.

With AAI, there are also health and safety concerns, particularly the possibility of transferring diseases, but Cena said these risks can be mitigated when designing AAI activities.

 

Thank you for your comment. Your comment will be published after being reviewed.
Please try again later.
We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

 /  🏆 4. in HEALTH

Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Is the Philippines ready to address mental health?With an increase in mental illnesses and suicide cases among the youth, experts say everyone has a crucial role to play in fostering mental wellness. WorldMentalHealthDay
Source: rapplerdotcom - 🏆 4. / 86 Read more »

Cebuanos drink, smoke more but have less sex —PhilCare studyCEBU CITY, Philippines — A recent wellness study by PhilCare, a health maintenance organization, revealed that Cebuanos are into smoking and drinking as forms of stress relief compared to most Uhm.... Oy ka mga weak gd diay aning taga Cebu highly doubt sa 'less sex' part. Or maybe, they surveyed the less horny peeps i guess. 😅
Source: cebudailynews - 🏆 8. / 71 Read more »