Combining art and pet therapy

Art therapy and pet therapy are well-researched and established fields of study on their own. However, the understanding of how they can work together is where the information remains limited. This heuristic study aims to bridge the gap between these two fields. Pet therapy involves interactions with trained animals to support emotional and psychological well-being. Art therapy utilizes creative processes to help individuals express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to articulate. This research examines how a combined approach provides nonverbal methods for processing emotions, fostering a sense of calm, and enhancing overall mental health. The research examines the personal use of a pet, bilateral drawings, and art journaling to see if there is an effect on anxiety and depression symptoms.