We often hear about animal-assisted therapy practitioners joining multidisciplinary teams in seniors’ residences, schools, non-profit organizations, and hospitals. But what about animal-assisted therapy in correctional settings? Are there programs in Quebec? What objectives can be pursued during these sessions?
Where there are needs, animal-assisted therapy can be considered. Several projects have emerged in the United States in various forms, allowing inmates to participate in specialized sessions based on their needs. Some of these projects involve rehabilitating shelter dogs to help them find new adoptive homes, while others train dogs to become good assistance companions. In Quebec, visiting programs exist at Rivière-des-Prairies prison and Bordeaux prison.
The needs in correctional settings are numerous. Inmates may feel the need to break their isolation, to feel accepted and loved. Often, a feeling of frustration can be present and lead to aggression towards themselves or others. Regarding all the emotions an incarcerated person can experience, the animal remains a non-judgmental living being that loves unconditionally. Through a series of interventions supervised by an animal-assisted therapist, the inmate learns to open up more, to become aware of their emotions and experiences. For example, it is possible to use an animal sensitive to experienced emotions to create a mirror effect and improve the prisoner’s awareness of their experiences.
The effects are rapidly observed among a group of prisoners; tension and aggression can be reduced. On a social level, the animal helps lower barriers and thus improves the social situation within the institution. Through a well-structured program, the inmate will feel supported, appreciated, heard, and above all, useful. Furthermore, it is important to mention that the needs in these environments are very real, as many incarcerated individuals suffer from mental health issues. Animal-assisted therapy can be a complementary form of support for the individual.
Dogs are often used as working partners for this clientele. It might be interesting to explore the idea of visiting these individuals with parrots or horses, for example. These animals are prey, so their contact is quite different, and it thus creates entirely different reactions and results.
So, when will a comprehensive animal-assisted therapy program be established in Mauricie?
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