The Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona has implemented a dog-assisted therapy program for adolescents admitted with mental health disorders. This initiative aims to complement traditional treatments by helping patients identify and regulate their emotions.
Since April, the hospital has incorporated two Golden Retrievers and three Jack Russell Terriers into therapy sessions. These sessions, conducted weekly in small groups, focus on reducing anxiety, improving self-esteem, and enhancing emotional regulation among patients.
Clinical psychologist Bàrbara Citoler, who supervises the therapy, noted that the presence of dogs helps strengthen patients' social skills, which are often significantly impacted during this critical stage. The therapy also assists in breaking down the walls of distrust that many patients arrive with, facilitating a more open therapeutic environment.
The project is funded by Dingonatura and collaborates with the association Perruneando, which specializes in animal-assisted interventions. The program is part of a broader trend in healthcare settings to incorporate animal-assisted therapies as effective interventions for emotional dysregulation among teenagers.
Early results from the program indicate promising improvements in patients' moods and emotional well-being, highlighting the potential benefits of integrating animal-assisted therapy into mental health treatment plans.