DEVELOPING A NEW INTERACTIVE THERAPY PROGRAM AT THE DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

Linda Erb Director of Animal Care and Training Dolphin Research Center, Inc.

In 1988 many of the dolphins in the Dolphin Research Center's (DRC) family became participants in a very unique form of therapy. Working with their trainers and Dr. David Nathanson, the dolphins helped a multitude of special children and adults achieve new goals and gain a new sense of confidence. The dolphin's format for these sessions was based on DRC's successful public swim program, Dolphin Encounter. The dolphins worked with the patients in structured play sessions, performing specific behaviors which their trainers requested of them. Some examples of the behaviors would be a dorsal tow and a foot push. The dolphin knew the behaviors very well and often adapted them to suit the abilities of the individual patient. In one dramatic example Natua the dolphin adapted his dorsal tow behavior to tow a quadriplegic woman by her bent inner elbow, since she had no grasping ability with her hands.

DRC continues to work with special needs individuals using these same style sessions on a regular basis. When approached by Dr. John Upledger about the possibilities of dolphins assisting with CranioSacral Therapy (CST), DRC executives discussed the idea with interest. Some of the questions that came to mind, from the dolphin's perspective, were: How were the sessions to be conducted? How would they differ from what the majority of the dolphins were familiar with? What would the dolphins think about all of this? After several group discussions with Upledger therapists and DRC staff we came up with a working idea. The patient would lay on the surface of the water, supported by floatation devices which would cover as little of their body as possible. This was to allow the possibility of the dolphin's echolocation or vocalizations to access the patient with little obstruction. The popular noodles of lightweight foam sold as beach toys (Wacky Noodles or Fun Noodles) were perfect for the task. Three therapists will be standing in waist to chest deep water performing the CST session as the patient floats beside them. The dolphin (working with their trainer present) was to have access to watch, swim around and/or interact in gentle ways with the patient and therapists during the session.

This was quite a different scenario from the one the DRC dolphins were familiar with. In preparation for the CST work, the trainers familiarized the dolphins with the props and therapy environment. Utilizing staff members in the water as mock therapists and patients, the training team let the dolphins explore the new set-up. All of the dolphins participating in CST are comfortable with people in shallow water. DRC's Atlantic spotted dolphin, Stanley, makes his debut in therapy work with this project.

Recent videotaped footage of the training sessions will be presented and discussed. A part of the acclimation was seeing what the dolphins would offer spontaneously as they investigated the situation. Trainers are also encouraging the dolphins to offer back-rubs, chin rests and gentle touches to the patient and therapist. Another behavior the dolphins are learning is to swim around the therapy team/patient group. The current parameters are that the dolphins don't push the patient or swim under or between the therapy team/patient group Some dolphins have a unique approach, more "free-style," while others are looking for clear direction from the trainers. The trainers believe that we will see more specific adaptations as the dolphins begin to work with actual patients. DRC's original Dolphin Child Therapy evolved as the dolphins added their individual specializations over time.

The Dolphin Research Center has been a pioneer in experiential and interactive experiences between humans and cetaceans. It has been a richly rewarding experience for guests, patients, therapists and, we believe, dolphins alike. As we begin this new program, we are excited to be offering the dolphins an opportunity to investigate humans in another unique therapy setting. We look forward to working together with the renowned Upledger Institute as we explore the possibilities of CranioSacral Therapy with Dolphins.

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