Animal Assisted Therapy
JLS Psychology Services commenced trialing animal assisted therapy in 2019 and received fantastic feedback from our clients. We started with the introduction of Dr Monty who would come to work three days a week at our previous office in central Albury. Unfortunately when the practice was moved to Glenroy Dr Monty did not adjust very well to his new living a working from home arrangements, preferring not to come to work anymore very often. Thankfully Mr Churchill saw the need and started filling this gap. Both Dr Monty and Mr Churchill are pure bred Persian cats. This breed of animals are well known for their gentle nature, being lap cats and for their playfulness. Both boys are professionally bathed and blow dried every month, so even those with allegeries tend to not be affected by them. If you are allergic please let us know and we will accommodate your needs.
The Animal Assisted Therapy in our practice is where an animal is present at therapy to enhance the safety and security of the therapeutic space, and enhance rapport with the psychologist. Whilst providing evidence based psychological intervention we provide animals to improve rapport and motivation for therapy. At present there is a lack of scientific evident supporting Animal Assisted Therapy as a stand alone treatment. However, the research does show that the presence of animals in the therapy room can improve rapport and motivation for therapy. Studies have also shown that the presence of animals can reduce elevated levels of stress hormones and reduce heart rate, helping clients to feel more relaxed and comfortable in session.
The Animal Assisted Therapy in our practice is where an animal is present at therapy to enhance the safety and security of the therapeutic space, and enhance rapport with the psychologist. Whilst providing evidence based psychological intervention we provide animals to improve rapport and motivation for therapy. At present there is a lack of scientific evident supporting Animal Assisted Therapy as a stand alone treatment. However, the research does show that the presence of animals in the therapy room can improve rapport and motivation for therapy. Studies have also shown that the presence of animals can reduce elevated levels of stress hormones and reduce heart rate, helping clients to feel more relaxed and comfortable in session.
