2024-03-21 19:34:53
Definition: what is pet therapy (or animal mediation)?
The pet therapy is a therapeutic means which makes it possible to improve the condition of a person who suffers from a cognitive, psychological, mental or even physical disorder. We are talking about animal-assisted therapy.
A discipline similar to animal therapy is animal mediation. It is just as much about stimulating, awakening and comforting through interaction with the animal. Sandrine Hengy, creator of Panser Animal and animal mediation worker.
More concretely, the therapist brings their own animals (like dogs, cats, rodents, etc.) so that the patient can tame them. “The activities are different from one session to another and depending on the needs and objectives. Pet therapy and animal mediation are particularly adapted to elderly people in EHPADsespecially those who suffer from dementia,” explains animal mediation therapist, Pauline Mayel.
Animal therapy practitioners: who can practice animal mediation?
Pet therapy is usually practiced by a professional in the health or socio-educational sector : “it could also be a nurse, an occupational therapist, a specialized educator or even a psychologist who has completed training in animal mediation or in pet therapy,” specifies Pauline Mayel.
The French National Union of Animal Therapists and Animal Mediation Workers is the grouping of all professionals practicing animal therapy and having been trained by the French Institute of Animal Therapy (IFZ).
“There are also training in animal mediation. There is no shortage of ways to train on the internet. However, it is preferable to select a therapist whose diploma is recognized by the State. It should be noted that there are university degrees in these disciplines in France (as is the case in Clermont-Ferrand),” according to Sandrine Hengy.
Many people turn to this profession because of their interest in animals. “However, I can only encourage patients to check the skills of their therapist and to prefer a worker from the medical or paramedical world (with medico-social background),” recommends Pauline Mayel.
Alzheimer’s, autism, anxiety… who is pet therapy for?
« The animal is a means of mediation with patients (whose disorders make all communication difficult). Pet therapy provides support for many illnesses such asautismTHE dementiasTHE handicaps and multiple disabilities”, according to Sandrine Hengy, animal mediation worker.
Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of disorders that can be relieved by animal mediation:
autism (especially in children); depression;anxiety ; post-traumatic stress disorders ; dys disorders (dyslexiadyscalculia, etc.); attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) ;the Trisomy 21 or Down syndrome; physical disabilities ;the deafness ;the blindness ;cystic fibrosis, Rett syndrome; cancers…
It is not uncommon for pet therapy to be practiced in a hospital setting. It is particularly appreciated by children in pediatrics who are amazed at interacting with animals. Pauline Mayel, animal mediation therapist.
Dog, horse… what are the animal therapy animals?
“The choice of animals depends on the needs and goals of the patient. Generally, these are domestic animals that are very familiar with humans, such as dogs, cats or rodents,” emphasizes therapist Pauline Mayel.
Horse (equine therapy) is particularly suitable for mental health disorders. The horse helps you find emotional balance. Treatment with a horse can also improve physical condition and coordination (in this case, we are talking abouthippothérapie).The dog (cynotherapy) brings comfort. “Patients can cuddle the dog but they can also take care of it: brush it, walk it, make it play… this allows them to regain certain skills instinctively in people suffering from dementia, for example,” explains Pauline Mayel.Cat brings, through its simple presence, calm to depressed or anxious people, for example.The dolphin (dolphinotherapy) allows a multisensory exchange between the dolphin and the human. This therapy uses both the animal and the aquatic environment. The sessions can take place both at sea and in the pool. We also find the rodents (rabbits, hamsters…) where the farm or henhouse animals (like the chicks).
Of course, even if the animal is a “ therapeutic tool », Animal therapy is practiced in safe conditions and involves the respect of the animal.
How does a pet therapy session take place?
“An animal mediation or pet therapy session lasts one to two hours. The content of a session is very different depending on the patient, of its objectives and its needs”, according to Sandrine Hengy.
The program can be defined in collaboration with members of the healthcare team or family.
Mediation workshops can take place indoors or outdoors in a quiet place. They can be individual or in small groups (ideally 4 to 5 people maximum).
During the session, it is looking for a moment of pleasure which will be prioritized and not performance. The possibilities are great: play, brushing, caresses, relaxation, education, agility, walks… These supports aim to promote the relationship and enable better self-knowledge. The situations encountered during the session will be expressed orally in the presence of the participants, with the aim of putting their emotions into words.
What are the benefits of animal therapy?
Animal mediation and pet therapy allow the improvement of physical, cognitive, social, psychological or emotional capacities. They can in particular make it possible to:
relieve anxiety and depression through the tender relationship with the animal (caresses, games, companionable moments, etc.);reduce acute stress and anxiety attacks; helping to let go and anchor oneself in the present moment;enhance self-esteem (by providing well-being to the animal); regain self-confidence;increase cognitive abilities and concentration ;develop your sensitivity and better express your emotions; find certain automatisms;work on motor skills and memory ;learn or relearn to take care of a living being (in brushing himin the toilettant…)which can be particularly beneficial in the case of senile dementia or for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
In the medium to long term, pet therapy and animal mediation can considerably improve the quality of life of patients in outpatient or hospital settings.
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