Episode 22: Colleen Hansen and Joe Newton on the importance of pet therapy
In today’s episode we talk to Colleen Hansen and Joe Newton who is also the co host of the hospice chaplaincy show on the importance of animal-assisted Therapy (AAT). Animal‐assisted therapy (AAT) is defined as “The introduction of an animal into the immediate surroundings of an individual, or a group, as a medium of interaction with a therapeutic purpose” Also known as pet‐therapy.
Animal‐assisted therapy is currently provided by various health‐care or human service professionals within the bounds of their particular field of expertise. The therapeutic use of animals can occur in three basic ways: (i) pets are used as companions for individuals who are either living independently in their own home or in assisted living facilities; (ii) pets are used in institutions where they help to stimulate and/or be companions to the residents; and (iii) animals visit institutions to help stimulate the residents’ interest and provide a topic of conversation.