Open Paddock Open Paddock
0
  • Home
  • About
  • EAP
  • Why Horses?
  • Services
  • Articles
  • FAQs
  • Contact
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine-assisted psychotherapy: a mental health promotion/intervention modality for children who have experienced intra-family violence

on September 19, 2006February 26, 2018

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is a specialized form of psychotherapy using the horse as a therapeutic tool. This modality is designed to address self-esteem and personal confidence, communication and interpersonal effectiveness, trust, boundaries and limit-setting, and group cohesion. Substantial numbers of children witness family violence. There is evidence that violence between parents has adverse effects on the children in the family. These children are at greater risk of behavioural problems and mental health disorders, including anxiety, anger, depression and suicidal ideations, withdrawal, low self-esteem, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The purpose of the present pilot study was to test the efficacy of EAP in a cross-sectional group of children referred to a psychotherapist for various childhood behavioural and mental health issues over an 18-month period (June 2003–January 2005). Sixty-three children received a mean number of 19 EAP sessions. Scores on the Children’s Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale were determined pre- and posttreatment. The mean (± standard deviation, SD) pretreatment score was 54.1 (SD 3.2) and post treatment mean score was 61.7 ± 5.0 (t = 9.06, d.f. = 96, P < 0.001). All children showed improvement in GAF scores, and there was a statistically significant correlation between the percentage improvement in the GAF scores and the number of sessions given (r = 0.73, P = 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that the greatest improvement in the GAF scores occurred in the youngest of the subjects. Children in the group who had a history of physical abuse and neglect had a statistically significant greater percentage improvement in GAF scores after treatment than those who did not have a history of abuse and neglect. This study has demonstrated a quick response to EAP, especially in younger children, but it remains to be determined what kind of long-term effects this type of intervention may provide.

Health and Social Care in the Community (2007) 15(3), 265–271

Pamela N. Schultz
Ann Remick-Barlow
Leslie Robbins

Full article: http://psicoterapiaequina.cl/pdf/Equine%20Assited%20Psychotherapy.pdf

Open Paddock

  • Home
  • About
  • EAP
  • Services
  • Why Horses?
  • Articles
  • FAQs
  • Contact

About

Working with horses in the therapeutic process to facilitate meaningful and lasting change for youth (14+ years old) and adults.

Offering Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) through individual counselling sessions and group programs in Labertouche, 1-hour southeast of Melbourne.

Contact Information

Address:350 Forest Road, Labertouche Vic 3816Email:openpaddockpsychology@gmail.comPhone:0426 198 835
Open Paddock Psychology 2018 | All Rights Reserved