“Makes me feel like I’m someone in the world:” Animal-assisted therapy helps Manitobans – Winnipeg
The animals wait patiently at the door, wondering which of them will be harnessed and cared for by Lucy Sloan.
It’s Sweety, the miniature horse’s lucky day.
“So one of the things about Sweety is she loves it when someone scratches her,” Sloan said.
Jackson Goertzen grabs a red paintbrush and gets to work. He is part of Lil’ Steps Wellness’ Animal Assisted Therapy program.
“It helps me manage my stress, it makes me feel like there’s someone there to help me.” It makes me feel like I’m someone in the world,” Jackson said.
Lil’ Steps Wellness was founded by Sloan, a counselor, about 10 years ago after she wanted to expand her services.
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“After a serious head injury, I ended up buying two miniature horses named Peanut and Sweety and I realized all this therapeutic action that comes with having animals and so I decided to incorporate it into my work “Sloan said.
Lil’ Steps Wellness now has dozens of employees offering a number of mental health therapy services to people of all ages, with an office in Winnipeg and a farm in Saint-Malo, south of the city.
The farm is home to horses, cats, rats, sheep, goats and more, all of whom help in their own way.
“Sometimes we do grooming, talk about personal care, but we also tell a lot of stories and talk (to clients) about things that the animals have experienced that maybe they can relate to,” Monique Tellier said , animal-assisted therapist. at Lil’ Steps Wellness.
She said animal-assisted therapy can help with stress, emotional well-being, confidence and physical health.
Jackson’s mother, Brianne Goertzen, said she has noticed a big difference in her son over the past six months.
“It gives him the tools he needs to succeed, to feel better about himself, to deal with the strong emotions he’s feeling, and to be better equipped for school and for life,” Brianne said.
And Jackson couldn’t agree more.
“I would tell anyone that this therapy is some of the best you can get,” Jackson said.
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