Applying a Traditional Individual Psychotherapy Model to Equine-facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP): Theory and Method

Abstract

This article describes a unique, innovative, and effective method of psychotherapy using horses to aid in the therapeutic process (Equine-facilitated Psychotherapy or EFP). The remarkable elements of the horse--power, grace, vulnerability, and a willingness to bear another--combine to form a fertile stage for psychotherapeutic exploration. Therapeutic programs using horses to work with various psychiatric presentations in children and adolescents have begun to receive attention over the past 10 years. However, few EFP programs utilize the expertise of masters and doctoral-level psychologists, clinical social workers, or psychiatrists. In contrast, the psychological practice described in this article, written and practiced by a doctoral-level clinician, applies the breadth and depth of psychological theory and practice developed over the last century to a distinctly compelling milieu. The method relies not only on the therapeutic relationship with the clinician, but is also fueled by the client's compelling attachment to the therapeutic horse. As both of these relationships progress, the child's inner world and interpersonal style come to the forefront and the EFP theater allows the clinician to explore the client's intrapersonal and interpersonal worlds on preverbal, nonverbal and verbal levels of experience.

Examining the Literature on the Efficacy of Equine Assisted Therapy for People with Mental Health and Behavioural Disorders

“…Ratey (2001) argues that for youngsters, in particular, talking therapies can be unsuccessful because they find it hard to cognitively articulate their emotions and that drug therapy for young people can be unrewarding because their bodies are sensitive to medication. In addition, Karol (2007) and MacDonald (2004) point to difficulty in encouraging young people to make a conscious free decision whether to start a therapy or not. They believe some children, especially those who had negative parental interactions, can often view therapists, teachers or adults in general with mistrust or apprehension.…”

“…Gamache (2004) reviewed literature on a randomised control trial by Mackinnon et al (1995) where therapeutic horseback riding helped improve attention span, social interaction and confidence amongst 19 children. Moreover, besides having a calming effect on behaviours, Karol (2007) describes how a 15-year-old old girl, who had no energy and spent most of her day in bed through no physical cause, became energised during her EAT sessions. This energy gradually converted to other environments.…”

“…However, the fact that this therapy often starts in an environment away from traditional settings, can be a strong motivator. Karol (2007) points out that there are few EAT programs that utilise the expertise of masters or doctoral-level psychologists, clinical social workers, or psychiatrists. She asserts that often people working in these programmes know more about horses rather than the theory and practice of psychotherapy.…”

Mentalizing and Emotional Labor Facilitate Equine-Assisted Social Work with Self-harming Adolescents

“…It may be of value to develop social skills, feelings of mastery, meta-cognition and reflectivity abilities, self-confidence and self-esteem in these individuals (Bizub, Joy, & Davidson, 2003;Dell, Chalmers, Bresette, Swain, Rankin, & Hopkins, 2011;Dell, Chalmers, Dell, Sauve, & MacKinnon, 2008;Hauge, Kvalem, Pedersen, & Braastad, 2013;Holmes, Goodwin, Redhead, & Goymour, 2011;Klontz, Bivens, Leinart, & Klontz, 2007;Macauley & Guitierrez, 2004;Rothe, Vega, Torres Campos Soler, & Molina Pazos, 2005;Rothe, 2005;Smith-Osborne & Selby, 2010), as well as to contribute to the development of communication skills, emotional awareness and regulation, reduce anxiety, and provide opportunities for experiencing authentic relationships (Bizub, et al, 2003;Carlsson, Nilsson-Ranta, & Traeen, 2014;Karol, 2007). Even though not all studies point in the same positive direction (Ewing, MacDonald, Taylor, & Bowers, 2007;Greenwald, 2001), there is reason to explore how EASW may be used in the treatment of different patient groups, such as young persons with self-injury problems.…”

Application of Attachement Theory to Equine-Facilitated Therapy

“…Terkel, & Teichman, 2011;Burgon, 2011;Karol, 2007;Rothe, Vega, Torres, Soler, & Pazos, 2005). However, there have yet to be published research specifically evaluating quality standards for effective implementation (Wilson, 2015).…”