The Aspace Catalunya Foundation continues to be committed to innovating in the care of people with neurodevelopmental pathologies, cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities. One of the most outstanding initiatives is the Assisted Therapy with Dogs, an activity that has been consolidated at the Aspace Badalona Occupational Therapy Center (CTO) as a key tool to improve the physical, emotional and social well-being of users.
The therapy, which was introduced with the aim of incorporating new methodologies into the foundation's portfolio of services, has been developed for years with positive results that support its continuity. According to the center's professionals, "from the very beginning, the presence of the dogs was a great stimulus for the people being treated, facilitating their active participation and fostering the emotional bond with the animals."
Professional coordination and small groups to guarantee effectiveness
The initiative is coordinated in a multidisciplinary manner between the teams of physiotherapy i occupational therapy, responsible for working on aspects such as motor skills, personal autonomy and social participation. The sessions are carried out in small groups, which allows activities to be adapted to individual needs and guarantee more personalized attention.
During encounters with dogs, areas such as memory, spatial and temporal orientation, movement coordination and animal care are worked on. But beyond the physical and cognitive dimension, the therapy seeks to enhance social skills such as empathy, patience and communication, essential aspects to promote the inclusion and emotional well-being of people with disabilities.
An impact that goes beyond rehabilitation
The managers of the Aspace Badalona Occupational Therapy Center assure that this activity "is an opportunity for users to connect with the animal world while working on their skills, in a motivating and enriching environment." They also emphasize that dog therapy allows each person's capabilities to be addressed from a comprehensive perspective, combining physical and cognitive development with the social and emotional dimension.
