Tame Your Temper with Animal Therapy
It’s no secret that we all experience anger from time to time. Anger is a natural human emotion that arises when we feel frustrated or upset about something. However, when anger is not expressed or managed in a healthy way, it can have negative impacts on our mental and physical health, relationships, and even our careers.
If you are struggling with managing your anger, you may have tried various techniques such as counting to 10, deep breathing, or walking away from the situation. While these techniques can be helpful, animal therapy is a technique often overlooked.
What is animal therapy?
Animal therapy, also referred to as animal-assisted therapy or pet therapy, involves using animals to assist in the healing and therapy process. This can take many forms such as spending time with animals, engaging in activities with them, or simply observing them.
Animal therapy has been used to treat various conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even cancer. It has been shown to have numerous benefits such as reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, increasing socialization, and improving overall well-being.
How does animal therapy help with anger management?
Animal therapy can be particularly helpful for those struggling with anger management. Animals have the amazing ability to calm us down and make us feel at ease. They have a way of bringing us into the present moment and helping us forget about our worries and frustrations.
Spending time with animals can also release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of love and bonding, which helps to reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body such as cortisol and adrenaline, which are often elevated during moments of anger.
Animals are non-judgmental and unconditional in their love, providing us with a safe space where we can express ourselves without fear of being criticized or judged. This can be incredibly helpful for individuals who have difficulty expressing their emotions and feelings.
Additionally, animal therapy can provide us with a sense of purpose and responsibility. Taking care of an animal can give us a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, which can be particularly helpful for those struggling with low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.
What types of animals are used in animal therapy?
Animal therapy can involve many different types of animals, such as:
- Dogs – used for various therapy types e.g. emotional support, PTSD, and physical therapy
- Cats – known for their calming presence used in hospice care to comfort patients at end of life
- Horses – used in equine therapy for socialization, anxiety, PTSD, developmental disabilities
- Birds – used in therapy settings to improve socialization, communication skills, cognitive function, and memory
Benefits of animal therapy for anger management
Animal therapy has numerous benefits for those struggling with anger management:
- Reduced stress levels
- Improved communication skills
- Increased self-esteem
- Increased empathy
- Improved mood
Ways to incorporate animal therapy into anger management plan
If you are interested in incorporating animal therapy into your anger management plan, there are many ways to do so, such as:
- Visiting a local animal shelter as a volunteer
- Acquiring a pet to provide a sense of purpose and unconditional love
- Attending an animal-assisted therapy program with a therapy center or hospital
- Going horseback riding with an equine therapy program
- Watching animal videos on YouTube
Final thoughts
Animal therapy is a powerful tool for managing anger and improving overall well-being. If you struggle with anger management, consider incorporating animal therapy into your treatment plan. It may just be the solution you’ve been looking for.