Thanks to PTSD Combat for this NPR Story regarding the use of parrots for PTSD. They call it "mutual healing." What is it really? This form or rehabilitation produces many positive results. All are temporary.
One interviewee, when asked if he trusts the birds more than any person answers, "Oh, absolutely. I haven't been let down by a bird yet."
This attitude is typical of many who use animals as a way to make themselves feel better. While it may keep you from punching someone or getting drunk, this type of therapy is a mere pleasant distraction. All recovery will disappear as soon as the look, smell, or sound-alike stresses return to dredge up the emotions felt during the original trauma.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11989027&ft=1&f=1007&sc=emaf
