IS ANIMAL THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU? YOUR GUIDE TO AAT
There are just some things only a dog can understand — same with a cat, or a horse, or a bird, for that matter. That’s the idea behind animal-assisted therapy (AAT), a treatment designed to help those with mental and physical challenges. AAT may look like snuggling and playing with animals, but it’s much more involved than you may think. WHAT IS AAT? AAT relies on an innate human need to connect with animals. The idea is that humans form bonds with living things, and this connection can have a calming effect on our minds. Physical therapy and massage therapy involve tangible actions on the part of the therapist, while AAT relies on the relationship between a human and an animal. This could help someone cope with 3 RESOURCES FOR THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY
grief, lessen a medical patient’s pain related to chemotherapy or surgery, provide connection to residents in long-term care facilities, or even offer exercise for those with limited mobility. AREN’T THOSE JUST EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS? In recent years, emotional support animals have become increasingly popular both in the media and in their use. Emotional support animals offer their owners vital emotional assistance, but they differ greatly from trained therapy animals. AAT requires the use of a trained animal under the direction of a handler, who will also coordinate with medical professionals to ensure the strategies that they deploy will target what a patient needs. Prior to practicing, trainers and their animals must each pass certification processes intended to help each party gain the skills needed to help patients. To qualify, animals also need to be clean and vaccinated, and the type of animal that is used At Denmon Pearlman, we’re proud to be part of the vibrant community of leaders and citizens dedicated to making our region welcoming to everyone. If you or a loved one is searching for an LGBTQ resource or organization, our community has many options, including the places below. LGBTQWELCOME CENTER Where: 2227 Central Ave. Website: LGBTQWelcomeCenter.org and MetroTampaBay.org Resources: Gathering center and health connections The LGBTQ Welcome Center provides a welcoming environment for anyone. It began in June 2014 under Metro Inclusive Health as a way to connect the LGBTQ community together and to medical services. The center features a coffeehouse and a youth center, and attendees are welcome to utilize the center’s education and career services or stick around for entertainment. Metro Inclusive Health is also a resource for those seeking LGBTQ-centered medical care, including primary, mental, and sexual care, pharmacy services, and HIV care. FAMILY RESOURCES Where: Multiple locations across the region Contact: Info@Family-Resources.org or 727-893-1893 Website: FamilyResourcesInc.org Resources: Counseling, housing, and support for at-risk LGBTQ youth and young adults
during AAT also depends on a person’s condition, the location of the therapy, and a patient’s need.
IS AAT RIGHT FOR YOU? AAT isn’t for everyone, but it can be a vital
component of your healing process. It’s often seen as a supplemental form of therapy intended to bolster other therapies. The important thing to remember when considering AAT is to establish reasonable goals. Discuss the possibility of using AAT with your doctor or therapist and consider which animals may bring you the most comfort. Be realistic about what you want and need before attempting AAT. Homelessness is an issue that plagues the LGBTQ community, but Family Resources is fighting that reality. With shelters for homeless LGBTQ young adults, the organization provides support for at-risk youth in need of housing and guidance. It also offers individual and family counseling opportunities. Each resource connects young LGBTQ citizens with the necessary guidance they need to live independent, happy lives.
ST. PETE’S PRIDE Where: Across St. Pete’s When: June 1–30 Website: StPetePride.org Resource: Celebration and connection
Our local Pride celebration may not be a life-saving resource to the community — but it can be a powerful bridge to creating a safer, happier environment for our LGBTQ friends, families, and neighbors. Throughout the month of June, organizers of St. Pete Pride have created themed weeks that are geared toward supporting and uplifting LGBTQ voices and the voices of racial minorities. Attend all four weeks or enjoy the themes of outdoor adventures, family-focused fun, arts, and food! (COVID-19 precautions are being taken by organizers. Visit the website for more details.) Denmon Pearlman is proud to be an LGBTQ-friendly law firm. If you or someone you know needs compassionate attorneys who support this community, please contact us today.
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