In 2017 the “Happy Child” project of the Centre of Psychological Rehabilitation Feldman Ecopark continued the work with attraction of new therapy animals. The Feldman Ecopark’s exotic animals, such as tortoises, parrots, rabbits and chinchillas became the children’s therapists. Now the lessons for group of children having certain difficulties with communication and social adaptation are held in a special Centre’s office involving the use of testudo-therapy, avis-therapy and rodentia-therapy. It should be reminded that such techniques where reptiles, birds and rodents act as animal therapists are successfully implemented in different countries. The scientists found out that monitoring of these exotic beings and tactile contact with them positively influences mental and emotional state of adults and especially children.
“The communication with various animals is very important element in creation of mutual relation system for the child. They teach fundamental things, such as patience and compassion, responsibility and commitment, love and path of care, – the head of psychological service of the Centre of Psychological Rehabilitation Feldman Ecopark, the Candidate of Psychological Sciences Tetiana Aliieva told. – Unfortunately, modern families aren’t always able to manage pets and children are often precluded from an opportunity to be in contact with them the desired time. Therefore we aim to feel these gaps – we use dumb animals in work with shut-in or, on the contrary, hyperactive children”.
The animal-assisted therapy plays a key role in the “Happy Child” project intended for children aged 7-11 and aimed at helping them to overcome problems in communication with age mates and adults. According to the specialists, it allows to create the comfortable trusted environment and to reveal the child for emotional interaction. The choice of therapy animals is determined by the qualities allowing the psychologist to work in the necessary direction. As a rule, it occurs on the first pre-session.
“Our young project participants have already managed to make friends with therapy dogs Bublik and Volt, equine-assisted therapy horses Mavrik, Charlik and Carmelita. Now it’s time to get acquainted with a turtle, a parrot, a rabbit and a chinchilla – the children’s psychologist of the “Happy Child” project Iryna Kurtashova explains the purpose of pre-session. – Such versatile communication allows kids to look at the world other eyes, to learn that all living beings have feelings, mood and wishes which must be seen and heard”.
It should be reminded that the “Happy Child” project of the Centre of Psychological Rehabilitation Feldman Ecopark began work in October, 2016 and the project’s first stage came to the end in December. This year the lessons will be continued, the enrollment to new groups is open.
