Here are just a few ways that dolphin therapy benefits individuals recovering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues:
- Stress reduction: Being around dolphins and interacting with them in the water relieves stressors that affect mental health.
- Calmness: People experiencing anxiety and PTSD find that the soothing nature of being around these peaceful mammals continues to induce feelings of calmness and focus even after the therapy session ends.
- Sound therapy: The sounds that dolphins emit during the therapy sessions have a profound impact on one’s well-being. Scientists believe these sounds influence heart rate, breathing, memory, and even immune function.
- Confidence: Working with large aquatic animals in a controlled setting improves confidence. When patients feel more confident in their abilities to handle even small situations, such as feeding a dolphin, this spills over into their everyday lives.
