Benchmarks' Partnering for Excellence (PFE) project works to connect youth and families involved with the child welfare system, who screen positive for trauma, with a trauma-intensive mental health assessment known as the TiCCA. The TiCCA, or trauma-intensive comprehensive clinician assessment, is a 6-10 hour holistic assessment where specially trained clinicians dive deep to assess for the impact trauma has had on their client’s functioning and identify any related needs. The goal of the assessment is to produce treatment recommendations that holistically address the child’s trauma related needs. To do this, clinicians often need to think outside of the box when it comes to their recommendations, making a valid effort to ensure treatment recommendations are tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Through this work, clinicians are encouraged to seek alternative and innovative treatment modalities supported by research and evidence to include in their "recommendations toolbox". One example of an alternative treatment modality with encouraging outcomes is animal assisted intervention.
Animal assisted intervention (AAI) is an umbrella term that encompasses any intervention using animals to fulfil a goal or task. For example, it could be an everyday pet owner relying on their beloved pet to provide comfort at the end of the day to the use of a specially trained therapy animal used in specific therapeutic interventions. The first research on AAI began in the 1960s and has since become a growing field of study and practice. The use of animals, particularly dogs and horses, to help address trauma-related needs is becoming more mainstream within many settings. It is not uncommon to see therapy animals such as dogs, horses, and even pigs, in prison settings, nursing homes, hospitals, court rooms, and other therapeutic or rehabilitative settings, and for good reason. According to a Purdue University research article “The Impact of Human-Animal Interaction in Trauma Recovery” there are numerous benefits to incorporating AAI in the treatment of trauma.
To name a few, humans have an innate need to connect with other living beings. For trauma survivors, the ability to connect with others can be difficult due to past traumas at the hands of trusted individuals or feeling socially isolated from their social network. In addition, some survivors may feel as though no one will understand their experience, that the event was their fault, or are suffering from intrusive thoughts and flashbacks which may take away from their ability to connect. This can be detrimental to their healing since we know one of the best ways to support healing and resiliency is through having a social support network. This is where animals can step in. Research has shown animals can enhance an individual’s feelings of social support by actively standing in as a support, offering companionship or unconditional positive regard, and by standing in as an initiator of social interaction with other human beings. In other words, animals can act like a buffer for those who fear or anticipate uncomfortable social situations.
In addition to assisting with social interactions, animals have also been known to assist individuals struggling with attachment. We know when someone experiences trauma there is a need to feel safe and secure, however, the ability to form and maintain secure attachments is often disrupted by the trauma. Especially in instances where traumas are inflicted by a caregiver or trusted loved one. In these instances, animals can serve as an attachment figure or stand in a as a “placeholder” and offer individuals a secure attachment until it can be transferred to a trusted human.
AAI can also serve as a great addition to evidence-based trauma treatments. For example, EMDR or eye movement desensitization & reprocessing, is a common treatment modality used in treating trauma. However, EMDR often requires individuals to re-experience their traumatic experience which can be very uncomfortable and cause anxiety and other post traumatic stress symptoms. AAI, especially with dogs, can be used as a complement in these types of therapies to offer support, security, and comfort throughout the process. Animals, especially dogs, can offer the same support and comfort during times of crisis as well. During situations such as natural disaster, community violence, etc. AAI crisis response teams are often deployed to help with grounding and reducing stress. While dogs are commonly used in AAI due to their love of humans and more compact size, horses have also been a staple in enhancing the well-being of those who have experienced trauma. Experiencing trauma can inhibit social interactions and self-confidence. But research on equine assisted therapy has shown many benefits including enhancing overall well-being, self-confidence, and enhanced focus. Caring for and developing a relationship with a horse is also shown to support the development of perseverance, trust, a positive mental outlook, and empathy.
The human-animal connection should be celebrated and utilized. Playing off the human-animal connection has profound effects for trauma survivors. Each AAI should be selected based on the individual’s needs, preferences, source of trauma, treatment goals, and clinical availability, but animal assisted interventions can be a wonderful addition to treatment for those recovering from trauma. Now go hug your furry friends and thank them for all they can do for us!
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