Jasmin with the Angels of the Seas

Seriously disabled girl from Unterspiesheim has returned from dolphin therapy

The presence of dolphins triggers joy, happiness, laughter and peace and has a healing effect on so many patients that before was held for impossible. The latest example is the progress that Jasmin Götz from Unterspiesheim, seriously disabled and blind, has made working joyously with the dolphins. The 17 year old has now returned with her parents Hedwig and Uwe from dolphin therapy in Turkey.

Jasmin’s mother is still feeling the effects of the two strenuous weeks in the Onmega Dolphin Center near Antalya, but her daughter has made very successful progress. The dolphins swim in azure blue sea water in a sheltered cove.

Hedwig Götz: „Jasmin has made a lot of progress. From the very beginning she adjusted well and was happy, she laughed and one could tell that she felt just fine. Altogether our stay there was absolutely great. Everyone was so friendly to us. “

It is no wonder that the next aim of the family is to return to the Dolphin Center in 2010.

The family came across the address in turkey in the Internet and also saw a report about the Center on TV.

In order that their daughter’s health continues to improve they have set all their hopes on dolphin therapy. They have not been disappointed, this has especially been confirmed by the final Reports from her therapists. To mention just a few examples: Before, Jasmin’s arm was very cramped but now she can stretch her arm and open her hand and also move her fingers. A lot of progress has also been made in her posture, head and hips, giving her more control. Her eyes are by far no longer so agitated with constant movement, now they are more focussed. Jasmin makes a lot more noises and she is altogether a lot more calmer trhan before.

Jasmin worked at specified times fully concentrated, without any disruption, on the platform with her therapists and a dolphin, in this case it was Daisy. The Angels of the Seas, as they are also called, have a definite flair for recognizing weaknesses and approach the children in a playful way. This diminishes their fear of the big animals very quickly and through them make contact to their environment. Through working with these intelligent and sensitive animals, and in so doing learning to lose their fear, they can, as happened to Jasmin, find new self-confidence and further their development.
The therapy was in no way just swimming with the dolphins. Mainly the patient works on a task set by the therapist in which the dolphin is involved. Positive reactions are praised and emphasized. Coupled to this the dolphin provides an enormous motivation.

The tasks are adapted to the patient’s individual requirements and are enhanced during the course of the therapy. Contact with the dolphin is also gradual. At first the patient is allowed to touch and stroke the dolphin on the platform, later he enters the water and allows himself to be pushed and pulled by the dolphin.

Additionally to dolphin therapy and Physiotherapy the programme for Jasmin Götz included in the second week Hippo therapy, a special kind of horse riding, and also Cranio-Sacral-Therapy. This is an alternative medical method that developed from Osteopathy; meanwhile her parents took yoga lessons.

So in the whole two weeks Hedwig, Uwe and Jasmin Götz had only two Saturdays free. As explained, they were strenuous, but for Jasmin very successful days.

SOURCE :https://www.unterspiesheim.de/2009/delphintherapie