Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal Assisted Therapy
Saturday 12th October 2019
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes explores Animal Assisted Therapy's benefits for mental health and addiction on Counselor Toolbox Podcast.
61 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Healing
Educational
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Recovery from Trauma
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Healing Relationships
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
762 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!The Healing Bond: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes on Animal Assisted Therapy
When people are given something to do with their hands, they find it helps them stay focused.
Ever thought about how animals could be more than just pets? In this episode of the Counselor Toolbox Podcast, Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes dives into the fascinating world of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). She unpacks how animals can play a crucial role in helping people cope with depression, addiction, and other mental health challenges. Dr.
Snipes explains the key differences between animal-assisted activities, which offer comfort and relaxation, and formal animal-assisted therapy, which is a structured intervention aimed at achieving specific therapeutic goals. For instance, while a dog might help someone with autism improve their social skills, a horse could provide a calming presence for someone dealing with anxiety. But it's not just about the animals themselves; it's about the unique bond they form with clients.
This connection can help build trust, improve communication skills, and even foster emotional regulation. One of the standout points Dr. Snipes makes is how different animals bring different therapeutic benefits. Horses, for example, are known for their calming effect, while dogs can help improve social interactions for those with ADHD or autism. This personalized approach can boost self-esteem and instill a sense of responsibility and accomplishment in clients. Dr. Snipes also touches on the power of perspective-taking through AAT.
By interacting with animals, clients can learn to see things from another point of view, helping them understand how their behavior affects others. This can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with all-or-nothing thinking or negative self-talk. Beyond the therapy sessions, Dr. Snipes discusses the ongoing support animals can provide. Some clients might benefit from having a service or emotional support animal in their daily lives.
The use of metaphors and symbolism in AAT also helps clients grasp complex issues in a more relatable way. This episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring insights, making it a must-listen for therapists, clients, or anyone who loves animals.