What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Question
What is animal-assisted therapy?
Answer
Animal-assisted therapy is conducted by occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), nurses, counselors, or social workers. These are goal-directed therapeutic intervention plans that promote physical, cognitive, psychosocial, behavioral, and/or emotional functioning. Again, the provider is educated and licensed. OTPs are licensed, work within their scope of practice, and have specialized continuing education. Finally, the process is evaluated and documented.
The therapist is trained to work in this environment, with a specific population, and to address individual goals. Her goals might include sensory integration, motor planning, and body awareness.
Melissa Winkle
OTR/L, FAOTA, CPDT-KA
Phoebe Yam
OTD, OTR/L
Topics
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