Animal-Assisted Therapy
ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY
Letting cats, dogs, horses, dolphins and whales enhance and facilitate the therapeutic journey.
Explore how integrating animals into your therapy can reduce stress.
At Therapy Tides, we begin by listening to your therapeutic goals, and we use a range of modalities to establish an environment where you feel safe, emotionally validated, recognised, and appreciated. We can assist with a range of mental health conditions, including grief, PTSD, depression, anxiety, ADHD-and other neurodiversities, and we specialise in trauma therapy for individuals and couples.
We use Animal Assisted Therapy to aim for increased positive activation in the parasympathetic system and a decrease in anxiety, hyperarousal, emotional numbing and intrusive symptomatology.
We use Animal Assisted Therapy to aim for increased positive activation in the parasympathetic system and a decrease in anxiety, hyperarousal, emotional numbing and intrusive symptomatology.
How does Animal Assisted Therapy work?
Studies have uncovered evidence that repeated interactions with animals can stimulate positive activity in the prefrontal cortex. This region of the brain is the center of memory, language and reasoning, all crucial functions that can be positively affected by reducing stress and anxiety.
A study conducted during lockdown in Italy showed that the presence of a pet reduced stress and anxiety in seniors. Dr. Jean-Yves Gauchet, a veterinarian, suggests in his research that cats' purring acts as a drug without side effects.
Listening to the cat’s purr leads to the production of serotonin, the happiness hormone, which is involved in the quality of our sleep and mood. It is a powerful anti-stress, blood pressure regulator, immune defence booster and psychomotor support.
A study conducted during lockdown in Italy showed that the presence of a pet reduced stress and anxiety in seniors. Dr. Jean-Yves Gauchet, a veterinarian, suggests in his research that cats' purring acts as a drug without side effects.
Listening to the cat’s purr leads to the production of serotonin, the happiness hormone, which is involved in the quality of our sleep and mood. It is a powerful anti-stress, blood pressure regulator, immune defence booster and psychomotor support.
Therapeutic Applications
At Therapy Tides we have Leon, an energetic dog undergoing training to become a Facility dog, and Pixie and Pepe, two cat sisters eager to share their purring and affection with clients. We also collaborate with the local Riding for the Disabled (RDA) for Equine Assisted Therapy referrals and use Dolphin sonar and whale sounds to prepare the brain and body to dive with more ease in the therapeutic session. It is also possible to organise therapeutic wild ceteceans encounters, as Paola is a WCA Certified Marine Guide.
Animals are a calming and friendly presence that can mobilise our energy towards reaching therapeutic goals. A recent review of studies confirmed that simply owning a pet significantly reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Scientists believe that the positive effects may stem from interactions positively activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling the body’s stress levels.
Mediation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for lowering blood pressure, slowing down the heart rate, and boosting digestion ensures that the body saves its energy and uses it in the best possible way.
Meet our Therapy Animals
Leon is the largest of the three animals helping at therapy tides. He is a confident and energetic dog. He has the looks and charm of a big teddy bear, and he brings a sense of calm, love and companionship during the clients’ in-person sessions. Leon loves following clients around and keeps them company. He is extremely bright and a quick learner with a huge love of people. He is independent and playful as well as cuddly and sweet, which suits his role perfectly in supporting clients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Leon is qualified in Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Foundation and Bronze Levels and is being assessed by PPADT to become a facility dog.
Pepe is the calmest in our team. She is a paced and confident cat with a soft and playful personality. She is exceptionally easy to approach, and she welcomes new clients well. She is also highly affectionate, loves being close to people and can often be found lying at their feet or in front of the camera.
Pixie is the smallest of our animal helpers, she can be quite vocal, enjoying the sound of her own purring, and she can often be found in front of the camera during the session, calming and pacing the rhythm of the therapeutic exchange. Despite her quirks, she is a real sweetie and cuddly cat who will win anyone’s heart. Pixie oozes confidence, love and playfulness.
Why choose Therapy Tides?
Alongside a range of fundamental and specialist qualifications and extensive experience,
Paola Montanaro is an approved member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC). She holds a NZ Master in Clinical Psychology, is certified in Eye Movement and Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR) and in Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed EMDR.
In the last 15 years she has personally experienced the benefit of Animal Assisted Therapy. Recieving training in Dog Therapy, Equine Assisted Therapy, including volunteering at the local RDA. She has also facilitated wild cetaceans encounters as a WCA Certified Marine Guide and studied the positive effects of cats on human wellbeing.