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Reptile Therapy Soothes Minds at NHS
8 Apr
Summary
- Reptiles like geckos and snakes offer calming therapy.
- The program supports patients with anxiety and low moods.
- A research project will explore reptile therapy for trauma.
A novel reptile-assisted therapy program is enhancing patient wellbeing at the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. This initiative utilizes a variety of reptiles, including geckos, bearded dragons, tortoises, and snakes, to provide therapeutic benefits on hospital wards.
These sessions, a collaboration with the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, have already positively impacted approximately 70 patients. Participants have found the interaction with the reptiles to be calming, offering a valuable distraction from anxious thoughts and elevating their moods.
Staff leading the sessions highlight that holding the slow-moving reptiles can act as a sensory reset, grounding patients and helping them remain present. The trust is now initiating a research project to specifically investigate how reptile therapy can aid individuals experiencing trauma and self-harm. The trust is considering expanding this innovative approach to its other facilities, acknowledging its brave exploration of unconventional therapeutic methods within the NHS.
