Ocean State Psychotherapy Inc. is proud to offer Animal Assisted Therapy.

Animals have been part of our practice from the very begining.  We wanted to have an aquarium in the waiting area to create a calm/soothing environment.  While considering fish, we realized that the mortality rate is very high and could create feelings of loss; especially for our young patients who may become attatched .   We were soon introduced to a hatchling turtle and as they say, the rest was history.  We adopted our first turtle, Bertha,  five years ago and soon after we rescued our second turtle, Romeo.  They very quickly became the main attraction for both children and adults.  As they grew, our patients became quite involved with their social and developmental happenings.  Bertha and Romeo became parents for the first time two years ago.  One child that was deeply touched by this was a young boy who had lost a significant family member and had become very withdrawn.  The day Bertha started laying her eggs, he was in the waiting area and alerted staff that she had laid an egg in the water.  Bertha was immediately removed from her aquarium to allow her to lay her eggs on land.  The child quickly recognized that he had saved Bertha's babies (eggs laid in water die of drowning) and lit up with pride and excitement.  The child's parent had not seen their child smile since the death of his family member.

Bertha and Romeo continue to entertain and welcome our patients.  As a result of the tremendous response by our patients to the turtles, we introduced the use of our therapy dogs.

               Introducing...

Scooter! 

Oreo

 For years experts in the medical field have observed substantial benefits from animal interaction with patients in a variety of settings.   A few of the observed benefits include: decrease in anxiety, improvement in mood, quicker recovery from illness, loss and life stressors. 

The clinicians at Ocean State Psychotherapy have witnessed a measurably improved response to treatment as a result of animal assisted therapy.   Patients that were once apprehensive or averse to treatment have become relaxed and engaged during sessions.  Teens that were once opposed to attending sessions or refused to interact during sessions have become engaged through animal assisted therapy.  Children suddenly become relaxed and interactive allowing for increased success in treatment. 

Scooter and Friend

Bertha, Romeo and friend

" Holding Scooter just seems to make everything feel more manageable."  

                           --current patient

" I love coming here especially since Scooter has been here." " It just makes it easier."        

                                -- adolescent patient