SENSE introduces a new concept of Animal Assisted Therapy and nature-based therapies
In conjunction with the 2013 Big Start competition, Al Tamimi –Investments
will introduce SENSE, a unique social enterprise, on 12th January
2014. Winner of the Big Start 2013, this new initiative is aimed at using the
facilities and surroundings of Al Tamimi Stables to provide people with a
positive outlook and offer healing through interaction with the environment and
animals.
The unique Animal
Assisted Therapy provided by SENSE will bring people closer to the
environment and aid recovery without any negative side effects. The initiative
has been founded on the basis of the natural environment having a positive
influence on an individual’s overall health. Thanks to its location, a lush
farm spread over 30 acres, away from the fast pace of city life, the serene surroundings
are ideal for rejuvenation and relaxation. Spending time amidst nature and
animals can dramatically reduce stress, decrease mental fatigue, restore mental
clarity and boost stamina. It is also beneficial for children, especially those
with disorders such as Autism and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity.
Animal Assisted Therapy improves the physical, social, emotional and
cognitive functioning of individuals by leveraging the abilities of animals,
including horses, rabbits, fish, dogs and cats, in a controlled manner. The
therapy is effective in treating anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies,
eating disorders, loss, abuse and trauma, Dementia and behavioural problems
among children and adolescents.
Animal Assisted
Therapy is recognised for its curative properties and unique quality of using animals
to help both children and adults cope with and recover from health problems. Animal
Assisted Therapy is specifically used to target a variety of goals including improving
a patient’s range of strength, motion, endurance, balance, mobility and
sensation. Patients can also benefit from psychosocial benefits such as increase
in self-esteem, building rapport, motivation and stress reduction.
Animal Assisted Therapy is considered as an
adjunct to existing therapy. A therapist can incorporate the animal into any
therapy being already practiced by the professional. This therapy is a practice
modality and thus is aptly described as Animal “Assisted” Therapy. It can be used by a speech therapist,
occupational therapist, physiotherapist, rehabilitation therapist, psychologist
and counsellors within their scope of treatment to facilitate on-going therapy.
The therapy animals offer right amount of entertainment, distraction and
pleasure to the therapy process, which motivates clients to work harder. All therapies are
specially tailored to the age and abilities of each individual.
“I have grown up in the company of my pets. This
inherently led me to realise that they always showered me with unconditional
love and I was always happy around them. On hectic days, my tensions vanished
as soon as I would return home and my pets surrounded me. Their sheer presence
proved to be a great stress buster and provided a social and emotional anchor
in my life. I surf the net avidly and have read several articles on how animals
and nature influence human beings generally (and also with conditions such as
depression, suicidal tendencies, Autism, Cancer and AIDS) and improves quality
of life for people. I noticed a lack of exposure to animals and nature-based
activities in Dubai. This motivated me to pitch the idea to venture capitalist
firm Al Tamimi Investments. I am glad they recognised the value of the
initiative and its contribution to the community in Dubai. I am immensely
excited to be working hand in hand with Al Tamimi Stables, and SENSE could have
never found a better place to show what it offers - nature-based therapies at
its best,” commented Aditi Sen, Founder & General Manager, SENSE.
“We are extremely
proud to work with Aditi Sen, the most recent winner of the Big Start
competition 2013, on launching this new concept and bringing the community
together at a truly niche out-patient rehabilitation centre. SENSE aims to
create community support groups that empower people to share their challenges
and experiences. It is the first enterprise in the Middle East to offer animal assisted
and nature-orientated therapies, provided by highly qualified experts. This initiative supports
holistic healing and we encourage everyone, irrespective of age, background and
culture, to join us at SENSE and discover a revitalising journey through nature,” states Brian Galligan, General
Manager of Al Tamimi Stables.
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