DOLPHIN - ASSISTED THERAPY

If an ordinary pet has the ability to alter human life for the better, what profound effect can an extraordinary and highly intelligent being such as a dolphin have on human life!

According to the Island Dolphin Care Inc. (IDC)(*1) mission statements dolphins can be described as catalysts, because they provide a favourable therapeutic environment through their expression of unconditional love and support. In the IDC mission statement it is mentioned that Ms. Deena Hoagland, a certified hypno- and psychotherapist, established IDC after she has witnessed the healing effect of dolphin-assisted therapy on her own son, who's left side of his body was seriously affected after a stroke.

Island Dolphin Care is not the only dolphin therapy centre for humans with success stories. According to a CNN article, 'Dolphin therapy: recreation or medicine?'(*2), Dr. David Nathanson, director of the Human Dolphin Therapy Centre in Miami, is convinced that dolphin-assisted therapy is successful in treating children with a variety of disorders and was even responsible for helping an eight year old boy, who was mute since birth, to speak.

*1. Annon (2003). Island Dolphin Care Inc.: Dolphin therapy history. (retrieved on 23 March 2005 from the World Wide Web: http://www.islandolphincare.org/nonflash/about.htm)
*2. CNN interactive: Health story page (1998). Dolphin therapy: recreation or medicine. Cable News Network. (retrieved on 23 March 2005 from the World Wide Web : http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9803/28/dolphin.therapy).