Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for adolescents experiencing depression and/or anxiety: A therapist’s perspective

Abstract

Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs) are thought to overcome some of the limitations of traditional therapies as they do not rely exclusively on language as a medium for change. One such Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) approach involves horses as a therapeutic medium. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) comprises a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working with clients to address treatment goals. The purpose of the present Australian-based qualitative study was to examine EAP facilitators' perspectives on the biospychosocial benefits and therapeutic outcomes of EAP for adolescents experiencing depression and/or anxiety. The findings suggest a range of improvements within adolescent clients, including increases in confidence, self-esteem and assertiveness, as well as a decrease in undesirable behaviours. The effectiveness of the therapy was thought to be due to the experiential nature of involving horses in therapy. The lack of understanding in the wider community about EAP was seen as a barrier to recognition and acceptance of EAP as a valid therapeutic intervention.

Equine‐assisted therapies using horses as healers: A concept analysis

“…Equine ‐facilitated Experiential Learning (EFEL) ( N = 2) is also called Equine‐Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) . The goal is to improve personal confidence and self‐esteem during a counselling session with a licensed psychotherapist or psychologist (Wilson, Buultjens, Monfries, & Karimi, ). The horse has various responses to the human participant.…”

Medicine and Horsemanship: The Effects of Equine-assisted Activities and Therapies on Stress and Depression in Medical Students

“…Evidence suggests that EAAT and the formation of the human-animal bond that occurs during the sessions can produce cognitive, psychological, and cardiovascular benefits [11]. Best known as an intervention popular among military veterans, equine-facilitated intervention is grounded in the concept of extra sensitivity of prey animals, compared to other animals such as cats and dogs, to affective congruity, body language, and expressed emotion, which is thought to be a useful therapy tool [12,13].…”

The Potential of Human–Horse Attachment in Creating Favorable Settings for Professional Care: A Study of Adolescents’ Visit to a Farm

“…Animals represent reality—they eat, play, and show emotions—while maintaining a safe psychological distance, allowing a young person to work through their issues with affectionate compassion that is not intrusive [ 11 ]. Animals offer friendship via non-verbal cues, which for many adolescents is an easier form of communication than the verbal communication typical for human interaction [ 12 ].…”

“…As large animals, horses are simultaneously frightening and attractive to many people. However, Wilson [ 12 ] has highlighted that horses are herd and prey animals, and thus, they are extremely aware of their environment and the intentions of other creatures in it. Horses have a well-developed “fight and flight” instinct, and for that reason, they are very sensitive to the body language and emotions that are unconsciously projected by humans [ 30 , 31 ].…”