Revolutionizing Mental Health Care: Donkey Therapy at a French Psychiatric Hospital
The unique 19th-century setting of a psychiatric hospital in Neuilly-sur-Marne, France, is now supporting patients through innovative therapy donkeys. Patients engage in walks with these gentle animals, finding comfort and confidence in their interactions. “It’s exactly the same as taking medication for it,” says a patient, highlighting the calming effects of therapy donkeys. The program, operated by nurses like Nathalie and Ermelinda, offers free sessions as part of comprehensive patient care, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing loneliness. These sessions are believed to aid emotional regulation and social interaction, improving patients’ daily lives. Researchers emphasize the need for further scientific studies to recognize animal therapy as a formal complement to traditional treatments. The initiative reflects a growing trend toward holistic mental health solutions, blending tradition with compassionate care.