Based on over a decade of sustained longitudinal research with a broad range of different user groups, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Coaching: An Evidence-Based Framework is an essential guide which offers both theoretical foundations and practical models for working with horses in psychotherapy and coaching. While not a panacea for distress and difficulties, the connections that humans find with horses can become a catalyst for deeper self-knowledge. By de-centring the human subject and placing the horse in the middle of the investigation, the ways in which humans make sense of themselves can be explored and more easily understood. Drawing on this wide spectrum of different client groups, the book features intervention studies with expelled teenagers, adults in addiction recovery programmes, children diagnosed on the autistic spectrum, people suffering from trauma and mental health problems, prisoners and even multi-national corporations wanting culture change. The practice of using horses in a psychological intervention is thoroughly scrutinised throughout, with ways of establishing successful change documented and assessed. Liefooghe’s analysis of these studies builds up to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for equine-assisted psychotherapy and coaching. This essential book offers psychotherapists, coaches and all those who work in a helping capacity a clear insight into what horses can and cannot do in a therapeutic role.
This marvelous book, borne of a unique collaboration between Dr. Allen Schoen—a world-renowned veterinarian and author—and trainer and competitor of many years Susan Gordon, introduces the 25 Principles of Compassionate Equitation. These Principles, conceived by Dr. Schoen and Gordon, are a set of developmental guidelines, encouraging a level of personal awareness that may be enacted not only through the reader's engagement with horses, but can be extended to all humans and sentient beings he or she encounters. The 25 Principles share stories and outline current, peer-reviewed studies that identify and support methods of training, handling, and caring for horses that constitute a safe, healthy, non-stressful, and pain-free environment. Through their Compassionate Equestrian program, the authors encourage all involved in the horse industry to approach training and handling with compassion and a willingness to alleviate suffering. By developing deeper compassion for their own horses, and subsequently, all equines, equestrians transcend their differences in breed preferences, riding disciplines, and training methodologies. This leads to the ability to empathize and connect more closely with the “global collective” of horses and horse people. In doing so, a worldwide community of compassionate equine practitioners and horse owners will emerge, which will not only benefit the horses: People involved with horses are found in many influential segments of society and have the potential to affect wide circles of friends, acquaintances, and co-workers from every walk of life. These are simple changes any horse person can make that can have a vast impact on the horse industry and society as a whole.
Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning: The Human-Equine Relational Development (HERD) Approach offers a hands-on approach to integrating equine-assisted therapy and learning into mental health treatment. Based on the HERD Institute model, the book showcases a series of case studies that cover working with patients with trauma, attachment disorders and depression. Additional case studies show varied approaches to working with families, couples and culturally-diverse populations. Ethical and safety considerations are covered, emphasizing the importance of both human and equine welfare in the equine-facilitated psychotherapy and learning model. - Identifies the benefits of equine-facilitated therapy and therapeutic riding - Features case studies of equine-facilitated psychotherapy in different settings - Discusses use of therapy for depression, trauma, attachment disorders and more - Includes use with couples, families, individuals and culturally diverse populations
A manual for the HEAL model of equine-facilitated psychotherapy and learning for healing social engagement, self-regulation, complex trauma, emotions, boundaries, attachment wounds.
Equine Therapy Exposed Real life case studies of equine assisted psychotherapy and equine assisted learning with everyday people and horses In this book you will get a sneak peek and deep dive into the emerging professional practice of equine assisted therapy. This unique, beautifully presented and engaging book provides real life case studies with diverse clients, and delivers insight from one of Australia's leading education experts in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy. Meg Kirby (BA, MASW, DIP. GESTALT THERAPY) is a Mental Health Social Worker of 25 years, and international education expert in equine assisted psychotherapy, author, founder, senior trainer, and supervisor at The Equine Psychotherapy Institute. When Meg is not training students from all across the globe in equine, animal, and nature assisted psychotherapy, she spends her time caring for 12 family herd members, three cats, dog "Bear," and rabbit, Darcy... not forgetting her loving husband and two beautiful daughters, Rose and Jasmine. Meg lives and breathes the wisdom of animals and nature. PRAISE FOR EQUINE THERAPY EXPOSED "Meg Kirby's Equine Therapy Exposed is an outstanding book...the case studies are rich and varied...this text is (also) a fantastic resource for integrating psychotherapy with a range of somatic and nature-based therapies, not just equine therapy." Melissa O'Shea, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Academic and Yoga Teacher, Master of Clinical Leadership (MCL), Deakin University "A dynamic and valuable book...filled with tremendous insights and practical suggestions...immensely helpful to professionals attempting to work alongside horses to support their clients' wellbeing." Aubrey H. Fine, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, CA Poly State University, Licensed Psychologist, Editor of The Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy "Meg Kirby takes a significant and meaningful step in the advancement of the professionalization of the fields of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine-Assisted Learning...the case studies splendidly help the reader understand both the depth and the processes that can be achieved in psychotherapy and in learning, with the help of the integration of equines." Nancy Parish-Plass, MA Social Work and Certified in Advanced Psychotherapy Studies, Founding and Current Chairperson of IAAAP Israeli Association of Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy "This book beautifully illustrates the power and effectiveness of the EAP/EAL process." Joan Rieger, MA, LPC Director of the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies & Gestalt Equine Psychotherapist "Thorough elucidation of therapeutic processes when animals are involved remains relatively uncommon in the literature. Brava to Meg Kirby and contributors for creating this most helpful exploration of just that!" Risë VanFleet, PhD, RPT_S, CDBC, CAEBC/I Coauthor with Tracie Faa-Thompson of the award-winning Animal Assisted Play Therapy Principal, International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy "If you are interested in how to work relationally with horses in a psychotherapy and learning context...the AWARE Therapy(TM) model provides a clear framework for practitioners...(and) showcases the adaptability of the approach to a wide range of client populations." Veronica Lac, Ph D Executive Director The HERD Institute(R), USA
An equine therapist shares the story of a spiritual awakening she experienced with her black mare, Rasa, which led her to investigate the metaphysical and scientific aspects of the human-horse bond.
The Clinical Practice of Equine-Assisted Therapy bridges theory, research, and practical methods to fill a rapidly developing gap for physical, occupational, speech, and mental health professionals interested in incorporating horses in therapy. Extensively researched and citing over 300 peer-reviewed journal articles, it examines core issues such as terminology, scope of practice, competency recommendations, horse care ethics, and clinical practice considerations. This book is an essential resource for professionals who wish to use a best-practices approach to equine-assisted therapy.
The integration of animals into the therapy setting by psychotherapists has been a growing trend. Psychological problems treated include emotional and behavioral problems, attachment issues, trauma, and developmental disorders. An influential 1970s survey suggests that over 20 percent of therapists in the psychotherapy division of the American Psychological Association incorporated animals into their treatment in some fashion. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the number is much higher today. Since Yeshiva University psychologist Boris Levinson popularized the involvement of animals in psychotherapy in the 1960s, Israel has come to be perhaps the most advanced country in the world in the area of animal-assisted psychotherapy (AAP). This is true especially in the areas of academic training programs, theory-building, and clinical practice. Great effort has been put into understanding the mechanisms behind AAP, as well as into developing ethical guidelines that take into account the therapist's responsibility toward both client and animal. This book exposes the world to the theory and practice of AAP as conceived and used in Israel. It emphasizes evidence-based and clinically sound applications with psychotherapeutic goals, as differentiated from other animal-assisted interventions, such as AAE (animal-assisted education) and AAA (animal-assisted activities), which may have education or skills-oriented goals. Not just anyone with a dog can call him-or herself an animal-assisted therapist. This volume demonstrates not only the promise of animal-assisted psychotherapeutic approaches, but also some of the challenges the field still needs to overcome to gain widespread legitimacy.
