<
https://apnews.com/article/france-donkey-therapy-mental-health-hospital-a751b540ba27e82797a2cf5a64baf045>
"NEUILLY-SUR-MARNE, France (
AP) — Therapy donkeys are helping patients with
mental health conditions recover in a psychiatric hospital unit outside Paris
that’s unique to France.
The 19th century farm buildings and wooded surroundings are a haven within the
Ville-Evrard hospital complex in Neuilly-sur-Marne. On Friday, patients took
the five donkeys for a walk and cared for them. Some confidently lifted their
hooves to remove dirt. Many ended the session with a hug.
The couple behind the program say more scientific evaluation is needed of
animal therapy, which is practiced around the world. They would like it to be
formally recognized by the psychiatric community as a complementary form of
care, citing their experience with patients and caregivers.
“It brings relief,” said Nathalie, a 60-year-old patient. “You stop thinking
about everything else.” She and others were identified by their first names
only in accordance with French medical privacy rules."
Via Kenny Chaffin.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
