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Nise da Silveira Institute carries out therapeutic project with cats
Published on 11/09/2023 - 13:33 | Updated
The Animal-Assisted Therapeutic Activities Center operates at the Nise da Silveira Institute - Edu Kapps/SMS-Rio A former mental hospital, the Nise da Silveira Institute, part of the Municipal Health Department, is now a place to reclaim memories and promote art, sports, culture and, above all, mental health. A pioneer in humane treatment for patients with mental disorders and a cat lover, the psychiatrist who gives the institute its name inspired the creation of the Animal-Assisted Therapeutic Activities Center (PATAA) almost two years ago. The project, conceived by professionals from the institute, aims to combine therapeutic care with a love for animals, including sheltering abandoned cats, who have found a home, affection and an important role in health.
Nise da Silveira believed in the power of animals as a therapeutic treatment and saw them as a way to stimulate displays of affection, especially in people with mental illness. The bond with animals helps to relieve stress and also increases the capacity for interaction, especially for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with other individuals. Through interactions with cats in the facility, they are able to create emotional bonds with professionals and other users, in addition to establishing a relationship of greater trust to talk and open up outside the office environment, as explained by one of the project's creators, psychologist Valéria de Leoni.
– Through the routine with the cats, patients are able to interact better with us. Users are able to establish a bond with the animal and it is only through this interaction that they are able to feel at ease. Perhaps if the animal were not there, they would not be able to open up so much. The cat promotes spontaneity, in a more playful and informal environment, which is why most of our schedule is spontaneous. We love animals, that is what unites us in this project, our love for animals and mental health care.
The psychologist also points out that on the institute's land, which was an old farm in the 19th century, there are many abandoned cats that have reproduced and formed a large colony. Staff and groups of protectors help with feeding, which is still insufficient given the large number of animals on site. The cats at PATAA were rescued from this colony, received veterinary care, were vaccinated and neutered, and today, in addition to shelter, food and care, they receive affection from health professionals and patients. The project also encourages adoption and, while they are waiting for a family, the animals are encouraged to interact with patients with a therapeutic approach.
Thaynara Leal has been attending PATAA for a year with her sister, Beatriz, 13, who has been diagnosed with ASD and intellectual disability and is being treated by the Maria Clara Machado Child and Youth Psychosocial Care Center (CAPSi). According to Thaynara, the doctors had already suggested animal therapy, but until she found out about the project, she had no knowledge about this type of care. Today, she has been following her sister's progress in relationships and contact with other people, which has also impacted her interactions with family and friends. Thaynara says emotionally that interacting with the animals at PATAA has helped her sister to interact better with people and make friends.
– Beatriz has made great progress in her cognitive and developmental skills, as well as in her interactions with other people. I am thrilled to see her here, comfortable, playing and interacting. In addition, I have started to look at the issue of animals in a different way. PATAA has this: the issue of care in a network, and it brings a very beautiful message. It is a project that has made all the difference in my life and in Beatriz’s life, especially. I remember her first day in the project perfectly, playing with the kittens. It was very exciting! I am very grateful to the entire team.
Believing that everyone can benefit from this care, the facility operates with open doors and, in addition to patients from the CAPSi and the mental health clinic, it also receives groups of teenagers from schools in the region, who are interested and seek the project as a place of tranquility and support. In addition to interacting with the animals, the facility promotes activities, workshops, collection of recyclable materials and also the adoption of animals. To adopt, the person must fill out a form at the facility and present identification with a photo.
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