"a special kind of listening"
Contact Us:
cwdudzik@healingpaws.com
(425) 488-3061
What is the current terminology being used to describe this work?
In the field, the terminology has shifted to Animal Assisted Interactions, or AAI. This is the short-hand version of Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). It encompasses both AAA and AAT under one “umbrella”.
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What is
the difference between AAA and AAT?
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*Definitions taken from "Standards of Practice in Animal Assisted Activities and Therapy," Pet Partners®, November 1996.
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What are some of the benefits of AAA/T? |
- Serves as a motivator in goal-oriented therapeutic interventions
- Serves as a communication bridge between the individual and staff
- Increases self-esteem
- Decreases feelings of institutionalization
- Diverts attention when pain and discomfort may figure prominently
- Provides a positive outlet for energy
- Provides an opportunity for safe and pleasant touch
- Brightens an individual's mood
- Fosters the ability to nurture and play
- Decreases staff and patient stress
- Decreases stress of visiting family members and friends
- Provides empowerment for residents in an environment where they have little power and control
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How can I provide AAA/T with my pet?
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Prepare yourself and your animal for this work:
-Take
therapy-focused training classes from a qualified
instructor
-Complete the therapy
team requirements of a reputable therapy animal
organization:
Reading with Rover, www.readingwithrover.org
Pet Partners, www.petpartners.org
Healing Paws offers therapy-focused classes and workshops several times each year in the Seattle area.
(See our Services & Training page)s
© 2018 Healing
Paws® Inc. and Christi W.
Dudzik
All Rights
Reserved. Reproduction without permission
prohibited.