Looks that heal (Sagrat Cor Hospital)

Trusting looks that do not judge.

This programme began at the end of 2021 and continues today.
The purpose of this programme is to help young people aged 14 - 21, who suffer from some type of Eating Disorder (ED). It helps them to improve their mood and reduce their levels of stress and anxiety.

The dog’s trusting look, without any judgement, towards the young person is an important part of the process. When different activities are proposed, the aim is for the young person to be able to connect with the professionals and with the treatment, while being able to experience and face different challenges, establish limits in an assertive way, feel valid, be successful, overcome challenges, relax, feel safe, experience different tones of voice and body language, for example, in order to work on the objectives set in their support plan.

young people have benefited

helper dogs

Why we created this programme

Through working with animals, we can reach young people by offering a trusting look without any judgement.

Working with dogs reflects how we act, allowing us to reflect on how we face difficulties, what emotions are activated, how to recognise those emotions or what strategies each of us has for facing the problems we encounter.

Animals act as a mirror for us and let see how we are doing, allowing us to work through trial and error.

How the programme works

What are the programme’s objectives?

Adherence to treatment

To reduce levels of stress and anxiety

To improve mood

To reduce fears and know how to face life situations

To improve social skills

To improve self-esteem

To know how to express emotions appropriately

What activities do we do?

Learn to train in a positive way

Recognition of emotions in dogs and us

The power of play as a motivator

How dogs and humans communicate

Learn to establish clear boundaries