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Having a furry buddy in your remedy session may result in your subsequent huge breakthrough, in line with new analysis from Swinburne College of Expertise.
The analysis, led by Swinburne scientific psychologist Dr. Kelvin Wong and his registered remedy canine, Snoopy, discovered that utilizing animal-assisted remedy together with cognitive-behavioral remedy led to reductions in acute nervousness signs (i.e., panic).
“Intentional integration of our furry friends into therapy, by targeting key processes of change, could lead to personal breakthroughs that changes a person’s life and revolutionize the practice of therapy as we know it,” Dr. Wong mentioned.
Over six weeks, the members engaged with Snoopy as an built-in member of the remedy staff to deal with panic dysfunction, a situation affecting as much as 1.5 million Australians.
The pilot examine confirmed a major discount in panic signs and paves the best way for future remedy choices for different psychological well being problems.
“Panic disorder can substantially decrease quality of life, lead to frequent medical visits due to unexplained symptoms, and can make one vulnerable to developing other anxiety disorders and depression.”
“In treatment, Snoopy played an active role by helping patients reduce in-session anxiety, particularly around typically difficult exposure-based tasks, allowing them to engage better in treatment.”
This primary set of outcomes from this feasibility examine is promising and opens the door to a bigger randomized managed trial which might examine full integration of a remedy canine with a management situation the place the canine is current however not actively concerned.
Dr. Wong hopes these outcomes set the usual for a way animal-assisted remedy for psychological issues is delivered sooner or later.
“There’s a reason so many of us love animals so much; but current evidence around why animal-assisted therapy works has been inconsistent.”
“This study aims to change that by developing and clearly documenting a protocol where the therapy dog plays an active and meaningful role—not just sitting in the room, but by helping to build therapeutic connections and supporting individuals through the difficult but effective interventions.”
Extra info:
To register curiosity, use this way: Group Remedy Expression of Curiosity Kind (choose Animal-assisted CBT for Panic Dysfunction).
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Swinburne College of Expertise
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Incorporating animals in remedy creates stronger relationships with therapists, higher outcomes (2025, August 14)
retrieved 14 August 2025
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