Benefits of Dolphin Therapy

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.
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Author Bio

Dr. Laura Tanzini, DrPh, MA, MFT

Dr. Laura Tanzini is a highly educated and accomplished professional with a background in biology and psychology. She received a BS in Biology from UC Riverside, an MA in psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute, and a Doctorate in Public Health with a specialty in Lifestyle Medicine from Loma Linda University.

Dr. Laura Tanzini is a Board Certified Professional Counselor, Integrative Medicine Clinician, and PTSD Clinician. She has worked in multiple medical hospitals, mental health institutions, and inpatient eating disorder clinics. Also, Dr. Tanzini has written scholarly papers and spoken on various topics related to nutrition, stress, menopause, obesity, depression, anxiety, and human development.