New Age or Old Sage? A review of equine assisted psychotherapy

Abstract

Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is fast Gaining recognition internationally as an effective treatment strategy for a number of different client groups. an effective treatment strategy for a number of different client groups. Its capacity to Its capacity to deliver positive outcomes for adolescents and mental health clients has brought the deliver positive outcomes for Adolescents and mental health clients has brought the practice to Australasia. practice to Australasia. This paper provides a review of the literature on EAP and This paper provides a review of the literature on EAP and considers the development, status and future among contemporary counselling Considers the development, status and future among contemporary Counselling approaches. approaches. After examining the history of the horse-human relationship and the After Examining the history of the horse-human relationship and the possible value of the horse as a therapeutic assistant, we discuss the background and possible value of the horse as a therapeutic assistant, we discuss the background and development of EAP through to its emerging professional status. development of EAP through to its Emerging professional status. The process of an The process of an EAP session is briefly described and is illustrated with client responses to EAP. EAP session is briefly described and is illustrated with client responses to EAP. We We conclude by discussing the outlook for EAP in Australia and New Zealand, with some Conclude by discussing the outlook for EAP in Australia and New Zealand, with some suggestions for future potential and development. suggestions for future potential and development.