Whether or not you like animals, animal-assisted therapy can benefit you and help you overcome addiction, manage behavioral health issues, and maintain long-term recovery. Working with dogs, cats, horses, and even marine animals helps people with various conditions and disorders. From nursing home residents to young women grappling with substance abuse, animals provide an invaluable service for many.
At The Willow at Red Oak Recovery®, we offer animal-assisted therapy as part of our comprehensive addiction treatment program for women. Call 828.518.6941 to learn more about our therapy services for women in North Carolina.
How Do Pets and Other Animals Help Your Physical and Mental Health?
You may have already encountered and are familiar with service dogs, but therapy animals do much more than assist disabled individuals. Service animals live with and help people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, often providing physical support. Therapy animals work under the supervision of a doctor, psychologist, or other mental health professional.
Therapists use animals to help people recover from various health issues. Anyone struggling with mental health conditions may work with animals in an animal-assisted therapy program. Pet therapy is beneficial when working with autistic individuals, senior citizens, and those with psychological disorders.
How Does Animal-Assisted Therapy for Addiction Treatment Work?
More and more rehab centers are adding animal-assisted therapy programs to their treatment options. Animal-assisted therapy for addiction is part of a holistic approach to treatment. As clients heal on a physical level in recovery, they must also heal mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
During rehab, they might participate in a farming program caring for different animals. Some mental health treatment centers are pet-friendly environments where clients bring their pets from home. Caring for and being with animals, pets or otherwise, is an excellent way for clients to stop focusing on themselves and their problems. As they are busy working with animals, they can stay engaged in the present. This is just one skill they can apply to staying sober.
Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy
Working with therapy animals offers the following benefits:
- Increases self-esteem and confidence
- Provides a sense of purpose and responsibility
- Reduces anxiety, stress, and depression
- Facilitates social interaction and communication
- Encourages physical activity and movement
The unconditional love and non-judgmental nature of animals also create a safe space for people to explore their emotions and past traumas. This can lead to breakthroughs in therapy sessions and help clients process difficult experiences.
The more at ease and relaxed someone is during rehab, the more open she is to participate in rehab fully. Therapists can use an animal-assisted therapy program alongside evidence-based practices such as psychotherapy, family therapy, and behavioral therapy. A comprehensive approach like this can be incredibly effective for giving individuals the tools they need to move forward with their lives.
Why Choose The Willows?
At The Willows, we seek to redefine the clinical experience. Our treatment center helps young women by combining proven, effective therapies with innovative approaches like animal-assisted therapy. The services we offer include:
- Recreational therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Family therapy
- Trauma treatment
- Individual and group therapy
We provide access to an extensive range of clinical services designed specifically for women. Our goal is to help each client achieve lasting recovery in a compassionate, caring environment.
Call The Willows and See if Animal-Assisted Therapy Can Help You Overcome Addiction
To learn more about The Willows and how our compassionate team can help you or a loved one, contact our team online or call 828.518.6941 today. We aim to restore you to total wellness, including physical and mental health. Recover and overcome substance abuse in a safe, secure, and serene space with The Willows.
