Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for adolescents experiencing depression and/or anxiety: A therapist's perspective.
Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry
; 22(1): 16-33, 2017 Jan.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26668260
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.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Transtornos de Ansiedade
/
Transtorno Depressivo
/
Terapia Assistida por Cavalos
Tipo de estudo:
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Adolescent
/
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Austrália