Animal Assisted Therapy

I recently attended a seminar on animal assisted therapy and fell in L O V E! I have to share what I learned because it is amazing and inspiring and beautiful.

There is an organization in New York called Puppies Behind Bars. This organization trains prison inmates to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans suffering with PTSD and various other trauma and mental health issues. I can't even explain to you how cool this is. Not only is this cool because of (1) the amazing animals, (2) the drastic change made in the lives of veterans, but also... (3) the rehabilitation that occurs among the prison inmates. Whoa!

The inmates are trained to work with these dogs from the time they are 8-week-old pups to when they are 18 months. They teach them over 90 commands and tasks. Yes, tasks! These dogs can call 911, do laundry, and respond to emotional stimuli. They are taught to "get your back," which means they stand facing the opposite direction to help vets that struggle with surprises from behind or triggers from hearing sounds they can't see. They are taught to "check the corners," which means they will go ahead of a vet and look both ways to ensure safety and no surprise encounters around the corners or outside a room. They can enter a room and turn on a light to help the vet feel safe and secure upon entering. They also respond to vets that are struggling with depression and offer affection and comfort. These are all triggers and symptoms of PTSD that many vets encounter when they return from the war.

For the inmates that train these pups, they are given an opportunity to contribute to something, learn something unique and useful, and have a purpose. They then meet the vets and train them in the commands and how to work with their service dog. Through this connection, the inmates and vets also form a special bond. In some way, they are experiencing similar things. They may both feel like an outcast, useless, insignificant, trapped, and stuck in this world they don't know how to belong in. But, through these dogs and the mission they are carrying out, something greater happens. Inmates are finding a purpose, and vets are finding healing.

It's beautiful.

And who doesn't love a cute, adorable puppy that takes care of you, shows love and affection, and keeps you safe (and does laundry!). But, this isn't all fluff (haha!), real rehabilitation is taking place, and vets are healing and finding their place in the civilian world.

There are other organizations using animals to assist with therapy as well. A Fair Shake for Youth uses dogs when working with at-risk youth. The dogs help the kids build empathy, social skills, positive speaking, and even address anti-bullying. A rescue dog that limps, is blind in one eye, and can't wag his tail, helps bring up the idea of bullying, treating others with kindness no matter their disability, and not judging people based on appearance. Why didn't I think of this?! Kids in foster care meet rescue dogs and learn about second chances, affirmation, and the power of love. Awesome! For those kids that have been traumatized or abused, they can shout a command and see the dog react. It teaches them that their voice matters and they are valuable.

Dogs are also being used in nursing homes and hospitals. They will sit with someone during chemo therapy, play with someone with dementia and help trigger memories and emotions, and bring a smile to children's faces during pre or post surgery.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the point. There is something special about the animal-human bond and it has been proven to enter people's lives in ways that humans cannot seem to reach. I love it. And I'd love to use it in my own practice someday.

I better watch out, or my job may be taken by a pooch.

Snow!

New Yorkers are real pansies when it comes to snow. Seriously. We got about 11-12 inches of snow and the news made an uproar! Blizzard! Stock up! Buy batteries! Stay in! And New Yorkers take this very seriously. They love prepping for storms. They go buy water, peanut butter and jelly, and get ready for the long haul. NYU even cancelled classes. What the heck? My Minnesota blood scoffed at them, laughed at them, and yes, judged them. 

I will admit, although I do not miss the negative temps of Minnesota, I have missed the snow. Even though I think New Yorkers are wackos, I do love the quiet shut down and slow down it forces upon the city. Maybe Minnesota should stop being so efficient and allow the snow to slow things down a bit! It's kind of nice. :)

So grateful I do not have a car out here, especially now! I do not miss this.

 Everyone was out and about in Prospect Park. Lots of sleds, children, and smiles.

 Favorite thing about the snow...I got to wear my new snow boots! Thanks Dad! 

Gorgeous. Love snow in New York! It covers all the trash. :)

Just so you know...This pic is not New York. This is Puerto Rico where Brennan was during the blizzard. Sitting in a rainforest drinking from a coconut. I will not get into my jealous fit of rage when I saw this photo as I was walking through the pelting sleet. We are the Yin and Yang. And I love him so. Jerk.

Philly

Sometimes I forget how nice it is to get out of the city. Even for a day, even for a few hours. And since I have never really traveled on the east coast, there is so much I need to see while I call myself an "east-coaster." Man, that still sounds weird. So...in attempts to make my way through the major east coast cities, meet Philly.

Brennan and I made a day trip with some friends to take in an art show. We had a great time and packed in all of Philly's sights.

 The Liberty Bell. I am definitely lacking in history knowledge, but I think this is a pretty big deal. 

 Us in front of Liberty Bell.

 Independence Hall.

 City Hall.

 Cue Rocky theme song. The Philadelphia Museum of Art. Although we didn't have time to actually go into the museum, we did run up the stairs. Brennan refused to put his arms up like Rocky for a photo opp. He's too cool for school.

 Channeling my inner Rocky. 

 George Washington monument.

 Brennan by the Native Americans.

Me and my buffalo.

It was a short trip, but we had a great time. I didn't actually get photos from the art show, but it was wonderful and full of inspiring paintings. Next on my list, D.C. :)

Wrapping up 2012

Before I move on to 2013 and all it awaits, here's the rest of 2012 that I couldn't leave out.

I'll start with my Thanksgiving redemption of 2012! Last year I tried to make it to the Macy's Day Parade and experienced a huge NYC FAIL! This year we did much better.

Happy happy Thanksgiving! No tears this year, but I did still miss my Mom's stuffing.

I had a Christmas party with the amazing people I work with at Bellevue. Love this job, love these people.

I threw a surprise birthday party for Brennan with our greatest friends out here and, of course, ice cream cake!

Home for Christmas. Always. My beautiful country home. This will always be one of my most favorite places in the world.

Hoodin' with the kids. 

Brennan trying to be the best uncle ever. I think he succeeded.

Lots and lots of family time! 

Many winter walks and fun memories with Brennan's fam. (I'm lacking pictures in this area!)

Christmas kitty. (I also don't know where my other Christmas pics are!)

But, I did find this one! My man and snow. Looking good.

We are blessed beyond measure. And now back to NYC. Back to school, work, life, and many many more adventures. I have a feeling it's going to be a big year. Stay tuned.

Mom visits NYC!

My momma came to NYC for the first time. I'm so proud of her! Her trip was cut short due to Hurricane Sandy, aka, Frankenstorm. But we packed a lot in to two days! We went to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, 9-11 Memorial, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and a Broadway show. We of course ate some great food and did some shopping. I wish she could have stayed longer, but we had a blast!

On the ferry to go see the Statue of Liberty!

Hanging out on Liberty Island, listening to the audio tour. I love this picture of my Mom. She looks beautiful, carefree, and having a blast.

Liberty Island.

In front of the lady.

Watching some awesome skating at Rockefeller Center.

Hanging with Matt at Rockefeller Center.

Brunch at one of our fave spots.

 

 Brunch with my babe. I think we are good looking couple, no?

This is where we saw the Broadway play Peter Pan and the Starcatchers! 4th row! It's the story of how Peter Pan became Peter Pan. I loved it! It was so fun!

Bellevue

I have now been at my internship at Bellevue for about a month or so. It is incredible! Most people have heard of Bellevue either through One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, or knowing that it is the oldest operating hospital in the nation. It's quite a fantastic place to work and I'm so grateful that I am gaining this experience.

I'm working in the outpatient psychiatry unit on an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. The team is comprised of four social workers, two nurses, and a psychiatrist. We have 68 patients with a severe and persistant mental illness, mainly schizophrenia, and we deliver all services, medications, counseling, and help with daily living out in the community where these patients live. I have learned so much about schizophrenia and severe mental illness, which has forced me to confront many of my own stereotypes regarding this disease. Schizophrenia is so debilitating, yet with the proper treatment and medication many can live high functioning lives and teach all of us about the bias and stigma regarding mental illness.

Many people suffering from schizophrenia see the hospital as a "revolving door." They may not be in treatment or taking medication, and then continue to enter the hospital when they have had a psychotic break in order to stabilize. They then are discharged having no knowledge in how to manage their illness, and repeat the hospital cycle over and over again. What makes the ACT team unique is that it allows these patients to live in the community, have a house, a life, and independence. We help them learn the skills necessary to live on their own and manage their illness outside of the hospital. We visit them in their homes at least once a week and deliver their weekly meds, teach them how to care for themselves, cook for themselves, and work on social skills, employment, and activities for daily living. It is such a personal and intimate service model that is so relational. It helps these patients have a life outside of the hospital, and where many people have given up and abandoned them because of this illness, the ACT team truly invests in their lives to help them achieve the life they desire to have.

And I'm meeting some truly amazing people. Like "Andy," an extremely intelligent man that experiences some intense delusions and calls the Pentagon regarding his most recent inventions. Or "Mary," who thinks she is Queen of England, a marathon runner, and best friend of Obama (she is none of those things). Or "Lou," a cute Vietnamese man that refuses to wear his dentures, and is nervous of everything, especially the sun. Every single day I leave work having no idea what just happened. I often wonder if someone is secretly video-taping me as I have these incredibly strange conversations and experiences with these people. It is intense, amazing, and wonderful work, and I'm so glad I'm a part of it.

The thing I love the most about this model is that these patients are no longer alone. They have an entire team that cares for them and builds a relationship with them in order to see them well. They can rely on someone to help them when they need it, yet they also have some autonomy and ownership over their illness. They are no longer isolated and they do not need to spend the rest of their lives in the hospital. I absolutely love it and think this work is so important.

All in the heart of New York City. How beautiful is that.

**I wrote this post before Hurricane Sandy came and forced Bellevue to evacuate all patients due to loss of power and flooding. Bellevue, the largest hospital in the city, evacuated over 500 psych patients to various hospitals throughout New York City. Mental health workers are amazing. But, there are many patients and staff in the midst of crisis. Please pray for them. Bellevue will hopefully be up and running soon.

Fall in NYC

I love fall! It is my favorite season, which makes it hard to be away from Minnesota. I love the leaves, cool weather, and coziness of home. This is when I miss the valley, my mom's chili with bread bowls, and the warmth of sweaters and scarves. But, Brennan and I were able to take a trip upstate New York and soak in more of the country while we house-sitted for some friends and watched their dog, Sam. Ah. Country in the fall. It's the best.

This was the little dog we were watching. I love him! I need an animal in my life.

Overlooking the Hudson. So beautiful.

It was perfect. A great break from the city, which is definitely necessary once in a while.

And we got to see a mini corn maze.

Ah, a witch boot!

And I've also been soaking up the pumpkin lattes and pumpkin waffles. I love fall!