Patients find help with therapy donkeys at psychiatric hospital near Paris
The sessions are free under France’s public health system and aim to improve emotional regulation, communication and self-esteem, staff said.
- Therapy donkeys provide unique psychiatric care at the Ville-Evrard hospital complex near Paris, utilizing 19th-century farm buildings to support patients with mental health conditions.
- Ermelinda and Fran Hadey launched the donkey project to provide therapy, describing the animals as "emotional sponges" capable of aiding communication and emotional regulation.
- Participants attend free sessions paired with donkeys—Nono, Pitou, Oscar, Manolo, or Malraux—helping them break away from treatment routines and regain confidence and self-worth.
- Nathalie, a 60-year-old patient, said the donkeys provide relief, adding, "You stop thinking about everything else," while nursing student Alicia Fabi observed patients leave feeling calm and relaxed.
- Since gaining official healthcare unit status in 2022, the program has expanded to include guinea pigs and other animals, with staff now seeking research to formalize therapy recognition.
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Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Patients find help with therapy donkeys at psychiatric hospital near Paris
Therapy donkeys are helping patients with mental health conditions at a psychiatric hospital near Paris. The program offers weekly sessions where patients walk and care for donkeys. Patients say the interaction provides relief similar to medication. The sessions are free,…
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Donkeys help patients with mental problems recover at a psychiatric hospital outside Paris. The 19th century farm and wooded surroundings are part of the pain
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