ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR YOUR CHILD
Animals can be great companions to kids and adults alike. Animals show both loyalty and love. They can help in different situations by assisting youwitha task,alertingyou todanger,orprotecting you fromharm.Thespecialbondbetweenhumans and animals is one of comfort, acceptance, and warmth—all reasonswhyanimalsmakegreatpets and great “assistants” in therapy. Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) utilizes animals in the therapeutic process. Animals can provide motivation and decrease stress for individuals as they work to improve skills like walking (physical therapy), self-care (occupational therapy), and speaking fluently (speech therapy). In these goal- directed therapies, and other such therapies, “an animal is incorporated as an integral part of the clinical health-care treatment process” (American Humane Association, 2009, para. 2). What Are Some Ways Animal-Assisted Therapy CanHelpPeople? Animalsthatarepartofatherapy programcan help individuals feelcomfortable and feel less pressure to perform tasks. Animals are nonjudgmental, so their presence may help ease
some of the anxiety that comes with practicing different skills. The animals can also help as individuals work through difficult emotional times. They can also help individuals learn patience with the animal and care skills for the animal. As they work on these skills, you may see transfer of this careandcompassion tootherareasof life.Aswell, dealingwithanimalsmayhelppeoplewithsensory issues tolerate the presence of an animal in the room and regulate their emotions accordingly. What Conditions/Disorders Does Animal- Assisted Therapy Treat? People with a variety of conditions can benefit from animal-assisted therapy, including: • Autism spectrum disorders • Addiction • Cancer • Heart disease • Dementia • Developmental disorders • Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia • Emotional and behavioral disorders • Chronic pain
If your child or someone you know may benefit from Animal Assisted Therapy, consider fostering a therapeutically trained animal. Other options include attending our facility, which offers these services as often as your child may need them by appointment. Contact our office for more information today at (208) 666-0611.
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Staff Spotlight Kerri Lewis, MA, OTR/L Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Kerri graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from University of North Carolina at Charlotte in May of 1997. She graduated fromNew York University School of Occupational Therapy with a Master’s of Arts in December of 1999. Kerri has practiced occupational therapy in a variety of settings, including early intervention, rehabilitation, school district, NICU, acute care, and pediatric outpatient practice. Kerri has extensive knowledge and experience working with children who have sensory processing disorder, feeding difficulties, and visual motor delays. She iscertified in IntegratedListeningSystemsandTherapeuticListening. Kerri is passionate about helping improve function and success using a variety of real life, functional and holistic treatment approaches. Kerri has had particular interest in learning and integrating CranioSacral Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy techniques into her toolbox of
Kerri and family
therapeutic interventions; she is pleased to see the positive benefits this has had for her clients with noted improvements in self-regulation, sleep, muscle tone and range of motion, and sensory processing. Her long time vision has been to create a therapeutic environment that offers functional yet fun activities, such as gardening, cooking, and animal assisted therapy. Kerri,herhusband,and their6childrenenjoyoutdooractivitiessuchasskiing, biking, being on the water, having movie nights together, and spending time with their 3 dogs and 2 cats!
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CALL TODAY! (208) 666-0611
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