Alpaca therapy – what is alpaca therapy?

Date of the last update: 12.11.2024

Alpaca therapy is an area of animal therapy that involves the use of alpacas to improve the mental, emotional and physical health of patients. These animals are beautiful, herbivorous mammals of the camel family that originally inhabit South America. Alpacas have a calm and gentle nature and are very intelligent animals. They love human contact and during therapy sessions they establish a deep emotional bond with humans. 

Table of contents:

1. For whom is alpaca therapy dedicated?
2. Forms of alpaca therapy
3. The benefits of alpaca therapy
4. Who can conduct alpaca therapy?
5. How much does alpaca therapy cost?
6. Summary

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For whom is alpaca therapy dedicated?

Primarily it is used for people with anxiety disorders, depression, autism, ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, Down’s syndrome and learning disabilities. It supports people experiencing difficult moments in their lives. These gentle animals are adored not only by adults but also by children. This is why alpacas are increasingly becoming guests at activities in primary schools, nurseries or crèches as well as family picnics.  

Forms of alpaca therapy

Therapy with alpacas takes different forms, depending on the patients’ therapeutic needs and goals.  The basis is direct contact with the woolly friend. This can take the form of playing, stroking, feeding or guiding or even working with woolly alpacas.   

During alpaca therapy, participants have the opportunity to learn relaxation, concentration and mindfulness, i.e. the ability to focus on the present moment and reduce stress levels. Alpacas provide excellent therapeutic support due to their ability to sense the patient’s needs and adapt to their emotional state.  

The benefits of alpaca therapy

Alpaca therapy offers a unique and therapeutically valuable experience:

1. Reduction of stress and anxiety levels – close contact with alpacas reduces stress and anxiety levels in patients.  
2. Improved emotional well-being – communing with alpacas contributes to improved mood and overall well-being.  
3. Stimulation of relaxation and mindfulness – alpacas foster the learning of relaxation and mindfulness techniques, which helps to cope with daily challenges.  
4. Social skills development – interaction with alpacas supports the development of social skills such as empathy and communication.  
5. Improving motivation and engagement – working with alpacas increases motivation for therapy and patient engagement in the treatment process.  
6. Strengthening the bond with the therapist – the shared experience with alpacas strengthens the bond between patient and therapist.  
7. Feelings of safety and comfort – the presence of alpacas introduces a feeling of safety and comfort in patients, supporting the therapeutic atmosphere. 

Who can conduct alpaca therapy?

Alpaca therapy is carried out by specialised therapists who have the relevant experience and knowledge of working with alpacas and animal therapy. Depending on the form of therapy, different competences are needed. Basic therapy based on contact with the animal, care or walking can be carried out without training but with knowledge of the animals’ needs. Medical alpaca therapy, on the other hand, requires a course and certificate in this area.   

When choosing a centre that offers alpaca therapy, it is important to check that the instructors are qualified at a level that coincides with our needs and therapeutic goals.  

How much does alpaca therapy cost?

Prices for alpaca therapy sessions can vary depending on your location and the specific therapy offered. It is worth contacting your local therapy centres for accurate information on prices and available therapy options.  

Summary

Alpaca therapy is a form of animal therapy that aims to improve the mental, emotional and physical health of patients through close contact with these gentle and intelligent animals. Widely used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression or autism, alpaca therapy offers unique benefits such as reducing stress levels, improving mood and developing social skills. Conducted by specialised therapists, it requires adequate training and knowledge to ensure the therapy is safe and effective. The cost of sessions can vary depending on the location and extent of therapy, so it is advisable to enquire directly with centres offering alpaca therapy.