Pet-assisted Therapy for Youths
A room with chirping lovebirds might be an unusual sight to behold in a girls’ residence, yet it made for a therapeutic and fun-filled Saturday for the girls at MWS Girls’ Residence (GR).
Since February 2024, MWS GR has been partnering with Human-animal bond In Ministry (HIM) to bring animal-assisted activities to the youth residents as a form of therapy. During the monthly sessions, residents learn about the animal they interact with and engage in hands-on activities.
On this specific Saturday, the girls were tasked with making toys with treats for eight lovebirds. This required creativity, concentration, patience, communication, and courage.
“Before this, I did not know much about birds and felt a bit scared. When we started, I put my hand into the cage and the birds ignored me. But I eventually gained their trust. They were willing to land on my hand and play with the toys my group made. I felt very happy and proud,” shared one participant.
Animal-Assisted Activities and Interventions (AAAI) offer numerous therapeutic benefits grounded in trauma-informed principles. The activities provide youths who have had adverse childhood experiences with effective ways to reduce anxiety and foster a sense of accomplishment.
As MWS continues to expand our care, we welcome partners with such innovative therapies to enhance the quality of care clients receive.
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