Dolphins as Therapists

Dogs have been working as “therapists” for us for a long time now. Since the 1970s, they have been going into nursing homes, assisted living centers, children’s hospitals and prisons to help lift spirits and provide nonjudgmental companionship.

However, I was surprised to learn that another—wilder—animal has also been shouldering some mental health care duties for us: Dolphins.

Dolphin therapy is a form of aquatic therapy. Generally considered to be a form of alternative therapy, it is most often discussed in connection with autism or other cognitive developmental disorders. During this type of therapy, you swim in the pool with dolphins with the assistance of his dolphin therapist. This therapy is performed alongside other types of healing therapy, like massage and psychotherapy.

Being able to touch just a small part of the wild is always appealing and thrilling. I’d even go so far as to say it’s restorative: “therapeutic,” if you will. My SeaWorld journey was well worth it!