REFLECTION

Upon reflection, I believe I have learnt a great deal about how animal assisted therapy can help someone with a mental illness in a positive way. AAT improve a particular persons quality, it can be a matter of a small visit to get the patient actively engaged and socialise with the others around them.
Throughout researching this type of therapy I have learnt that there are a number of health and well being benefits a part from lifting a patient’s mood. It promotes social interaction, improves self cares, improves physical activity and in relation to Occupational Therapy, promotes meaningful occupation. I enjoyed searching for videos and visually seeing animal assisted therapy in action. Viewing therapists using this therapy with a diverse amount of patients gave me a better understanding of how and who it can be utilised with.
I think it would have also been beneficial for me to see it for myself with someone in New Zealand but did not find time to do so.
It was difficult to find studies that were related to Occupational Therapy and mental health.

Over all, I’m glad that I had researched this topic more in depth and I hope you enjoy reading my blog!
:)