Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal is the motivating force that enhances the treatment session for individuals with acquired brain injury. The benefits of AAT are vast. Working with a therapy animal can help patients with acceptance of their disability and also improve their ability to focus, build rapport and socialize with their peers, family and staff.

At the Transitional Learning Center (TLC), the Therapeutic Recreation department evaluates whether a patient will benefit from Animal Assisted Therapy. Once a patient is selected to participate in the AAT program, a Recreation Therapist works with them to develop goals that can address the cognitive and physical deficits often associated with brain injury.  These goals will be the focus of subsequent treatment sessions. Some examples of AAT goals include: improving fine and gross motor skills, improving standing and walking balance, increasing endurance, improving verbal communication skills, improving memory, increasing social interactions, increasing attention skills, increasing self-esteem and reducing anxiety.

Volunteers are from the Pet Partners program, which is run by the Delta Society, a national organization.  To learn more about the Delta Society; http://www.deltasociety.org/