What do we offer?
Animal-assisted therapy is defined as a goal-directed intervention, which uses the human-animal
bond to facilitate progress toward a desired therapeutic outcome (Barker & Dawson, 1998;
Kogan et al., 1999; Thigpen et al., 2005; Wilson, n.d.). Animal-assisted therapy has often proven
to be an important catalyst for therapist/patient bonding (Wilson, n.d.). It has also shown to be
successful in increasing self-esteem, socialization and problem solving (Kogan et al., 2005), and
has improved reading and communication skills (Thigpen et al., 2005).
Animal Therapy within schools, charities, Care homes, hospices and any other mental health service providers.
By offering this service we will be able to improve satisfaction, energy levels, self-esteem, and mood, as well as decrease depression. Additional benefits include increased motor skills and movement, improved social skills and verbal communication, decreased boredom, and a more positive outlook. For most people, the presence of an animal prompts the body to release serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones generate a relaxation and stress-reducing response, according to UCLA Health. This hormone release can lower symptoms of depression and sadness, helping support good mental health.
The people this service would benefit albeit most people in society could benefit from this type of animal experience, For therapeutic sessions, we cater for children, young people & Adults with a variety of needs. This includes but is not limited to:
- School Phobia
- Long term care patients
- Patients with dementia
- People with terminal illness at any stage
- Children & Adults with depression
- Community outreach groups
- Anxiety
- ASD
- Mild Learning difficulties
- ADHD
- Mild to moderate mental health issues
- Other developmental disorders or needs that affects their ability to engage in the traditional education environment.
How to Access our Services
We take referrals this can be made by a service provider like NLC, Charity, NHS etc you can also self-refer where we will send you a referral form to fill in our team will meet and make a decision. Referrers are responsible for funding the placement sought. We receive some funding for our services, but this is limited so please get in touch to see if we can help you.
If you wish to refer a young person or adult to us, please email us Bookings@reptizooencounters.co.uk
Services
Animal Befriending
We offer an Animal befriending service where we visit you this can be one off or ongoing in your home or care setting this is a one-on-one service where you can meet, handle, feed and learn all about one or more of our animal ambassador’s. We will ask a few simple questions to match you up with some Animal Friends.
Youth Animal Therapy
Animals are naturally a part of a child’s world. Children are surrounded by animals from an early age (e.g. room decor, cartoons, clothes, toys, books etc).
When witnessed, the child-animal bond is something pure. A child’s bond with animals teaches empathy and compassion- as well as a host of other skills such as; fine motor, gross motor, sensory regulation, emotional regulation, and social skills to name a few!
Our Animal Ambassador’s are playful, accepting, social, present, and honest. These qualities are naturally inviting for children and young people – particularly those who have been impacted by trauma, or mental/emotional barriers.
AAT provides therapeutic opportunities for these kids to experience unconditional, positive, and accepting relationships that may not have been able to be achieved with human-human interactions.
Animal Therapy for Adults
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) includes a set of nonpharmacological interventions aimed at improving human health through the use of trained or untrained animals. In recent decades, AAT has been trialed for different neurological and psychiatric disorders. In patients with dementia, interaction with animals seems to have a positive influence on aggressiveness and anxiety and to ameliorate quality of life and relationship skills. In psychiatric patients, AAT seems to increase motivation and self-esteem, improve prosocial conduct, and decrease behavioural problems. We come to you wither in a group setting or one on one with animals matched to the needs or the individual/s.
Testimonials
Reptizoo attended our youth club. Was well organised, very friendly and answered all the kids questions with no problem. Will defo be booking again!
My daughter absolutely loved her experience with Reptizoo Encounters, the girl was really lovely and knowledgeable and let my daughter hold 1 of the animals for ages at the end of the session which she loved! Highly recommended!
