DOLPHIN THERAPY
CURACAO DOLPHIN THERAPY & RESEARCH CENTER.
We are here to make the difference
The mission is to make a difference in the life of people with special needs using CDTC´s unique therapy concept of Dolphin Assisted Therapy. The concept is designed to bring success in rehabilitation to patients with a diverse background, amongst which individuals that have reached a plateau in their traditional therapy programs and as a consequence may face a lack of motivation.
With the family oriented therapy we strive to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of the patients by combining the expertise of highly qualified therapists, educated in all possible fields of rehabilitation with the beautiful dolphins that live in a natural open seawater lagoon in an outcome oriented rehabilitation program.
If you seek to find a tailor made, intensive rehabilitation, where the definition of strength is more important than underlining deficits, if you are looking for an environment where joy is a key factor for success in professional rehabilitation and caring warmth underlines the philosophy to do the utmost to built self confidence for every patient:
We are here to make the difference ……….for you
CDTC's unique therapy concept reflects the latest research and focuses on an outcome-oriented rehabilitation applied according to the individual needs of each patient.
FAMILY
A core component of dolphin assisted therapy @ CDTC, is the involvement of the whole family in the therapeutic process. Since the relatives and caretakers of each patient are an important part of the care team and since they also are the people who must implement the achieved therapeutic changes in everyday life, they have a major role in the therapeutic process.
Different parts of the family therapeutic involvement are:
- Therapy session evaluations and homework: Following each treatment session, the content of therapy is explained. Parents or siblings are invited to therapy units. Parents receive "homework" that they are supposed to practice with their children after therapy.
Information about behavior modification and behavior therapy are given in individual consultations and workshop.
- Speeches, workshops and consultations
For parents, there is a range of informative talks and interactive workshops. They get information on different topics such as communication or subsequent therapy at home. Parents can participate in practical workshops, such as water relaxation. Also individual consultations with the therapists on specific issues are possible.
- Siblings program
Of course, also the siblings of special needs children get extra attention at CDTC. At the CDTClub, brothers and sisters have their own highlights like snorkeling and an educational program about the sea and a dolphin day just for themselves. In addition, they have an opportunity to exchange with other siblings who find themselves in a similar situation.
- Psychological talks
Parents or relatives can get advice of CDTC’s leading psychologist on topics such as sibling problems, sleeping disorders, partnership conflicts, etc.
- Family Swim
Also the relatives of the patient should receive an idea of what the patient experiences in the water with the dolphin. Therefore it is part of the therapeutical concept to give the opportunity to all family members having a swim with the therapy dolphin.
- Therapy Report
The therapy contains a detailed description of the therapeutic process and also contains some practical advice for parents. It can be handed to the therapists at home.
Results
Dolphin Assisted Therapy at CDTC has been carried out measurably successful for hundreds of patients with CP, Down Syndrome, autism, and a vast range of other syndromes amongst them ADHD and developmental disorders.
Research
Antonioli, Christian/Revelely, Michael: Randomised controlles trial of animal facilitated theraphy with dolphins in the treatment of depression, English
Beeck Fraucke: Selbstwirksamkeitserleben in der Delphintherapie, German
Birch, S.: Dolphin therapy effekts: a hypothesis, English
Breitenbach E., Stumpf E.: Tiergestützte Therapie mit Delfinen. In: Olbrich E., Otterstedt C. (Hrsg.) Menschen brauchen Tiere – Grundlage und Praxis der tiergestützten Pädagogik und Therapie. Stuttgart: Kosmos Verlag, German
Go to the site for more information on Dolphin Therapy in Curacao
CDTC Curacao Dolphin Therapy
Meet the Fashion Designer
