Dolphin assisted therapy (DAT) involves being in a tank with dolphins to aid conditions. The therapy typically occurs in parks and marinas where one is able to swim with dolphins. Children are also subject to DAT where therapists can diagnose problems and help with certain conditions and illnesses.

Though there are many DAT programs available, skeptics argue that DAT has no benefits on a medical scale and should not be undertaken by children. Although results have been positive, some people have shown concern as to whether animal therapies actually help and if so, is DAT the best of them.

There have been tests that compare children’s emotions and what the outcome was that children are emotionally happier with their favorite toys rather than swimming with the dolphins. These tests have been criticized for not being fair as both tests took place in different locations i.e. one in a motel and one in a tank.

Successful cases have been documented though, like the case of dolphins helping an autistic child communicate. Improvements in cognitive responses were documented when mentally disabled children interacted with dolphins. Analysis has shown that dolphins have a relaxing effect on children and humans in general. Severe mental disabilities though, have not been addressed with DAT in any positive manner. The only effects may be due to the trust and responsibility built up between the mammals.

There seems to be a lack of evidence to suggest that DAT actually works, but there are also theories as to how DAT may work. One theory is that dolphins emit a healing energy that can be transferred to humans. Although this energy cannot be physically felt or medically proved, in some cases, patients say that they feel the energy of the dolphins and help them to heal. One positive advantage of DAT is that with this therapy at least the dolphins are not captured and made to do cruel and inhumane acts of pleasure for people.

Dolphins can emit therapeutic sounds that can help with humans in different ways. There seems to be a generally agreement that dolphins are mysterious yet intelligent mammals of the sea and we are fascinated with their fascination with humans. If this fascination can help humans in any way, then it seems we are trying it without any cruelty done to dolphins. It is important to remember that DAT is an alternative therapy and does not replace known medical solutions or treatments.