Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a form of creative therapy that utilizes licensed and credentialed therapy animals as a form of treatment. The goal of AAT is to improve a patient’s social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. Therapy animals and their handlers can provide goal-directed interventions to individuals of all ages. AAT advocates state that animals used in therapy sessions can have a calming effect and that their presence can help build a rapport between therapist and patient. Those individuals who have a fear or a previous trauma with a particular animal are especially poised to benefit from animal-assisted therapy.
Meet Drummond!
Drummond is a registered therapy dog who is 6 years old and has a passion for helping clients’ learn about setting boundaries. Drummond loves to cuddle and is always looking for a lap to lay upon. Fortunately, Drummond also respects the word “No,” and will gracefully take a nap if his cuddles are not wanted. His ability to shamelessly take up space, ask for love and his respect boundaries of others makes him a special addition to the MBC team. Please contact Drummond’s handler, Dr. Rice for more information regarding sessions with Drummond.
*Information regarding AAT sourced from the Melmed Center and the American Humane Association