In some hospital departments, the presence of animals is now becoming an essential therapeutic tool. Dogs, horses, and other specially trained animals work alongside caregivers to support patients suffering from psychiatric or psychosomatic disorders. This practice, still marginal a few years ago, is gradually being integrated into structured clinical protocols, particularly in Switzerland.
When the animal facilitates access to emotions
At the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), animal-assisted therapy is used as a therapeutic tool for patients facing profound emotional blocks. The relationship with the animal helps to soothe, reassure, and sometimes trigger long-suppressed words or emotions. Professionals observe an improvement in therapeutic engagement, particularly among individuals whose relationship with their bodies and their self-confidence is severely impaired.
Supervised by trained teams and integrated into comprehensive care plans, this approach demonstrates concrete effects on stress and anxiety, confirmed by initial scientific studies. Without claiming to replace conventional treatments, animal-assisted therapy opens new clinical perspectives, bringing a valuable sensory and relational dimension to the care process.
