What role do trained therapy pets have in therapeutic settings?

Trained therapy pets play a significant role in therapeutic settings primarily by providing comfort and emotional support to individuals. These animals can create a calming presence, reduce anxiety, and promote positive interactions, which can be especially beneficial for people dealing with mental health challenges. Their ability to connect with humans on an emotional level helps to create a non-threatening environment, encouraging individuals to open up during therapy sessions.

While there are various therapeutic roles that animals can fulfill, such as assisting in physical rehabilitation, conducting assessments is typically outside the scope of what therapy pets do. They are companions that facilitate emotional growth and healing rather than substitutes for professional psychological services or evaluators of cognitive functions. Thus, their main contribution is fostering an atmosphere of support and understanding, which enhances the overall therapeutic process.