Eating disorders and equine therapy: a nurse’s perspective on connecting through the recovery process.

This research article explores the role of equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) in treating patients with eating disorders from a nursing perspective. It provides a detailed account of a therapy session, highlighting the beneficial effects of EAP and underscoring the crucial participation of nurses during the process.

Understanding Eating Disorders and Equine Therapy

• Eating disorders are among the most complex mental illnesses to treat, requiring interdisciplinary and evidence-based interventions.
• Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is an innovative treatment method, but there is lacking literature describing its session details and its impact on patients.

The Role of Equine Therapy in Eating Disorders Treatment

• This article presents a comprehensive review of eating disorders and the application of equine therapy in their treatment.
• While much has been written about EAP and equine-facilitated psychotherapy, specifics about how sessions are conducted and the direct effects on patients remain less understood.
• The paper fills this gap by providing an in-depth look into an EAP session.

The Nurse’s Role in Equine Therapy

• Nurses play a crucial role in the recovery process of patients with eating disorders, and this includes their involvement in EAP.
• The paper highlights how nurses are vital in facilitating EAP and illuminates their role during the therapy sessions.
• An individual example provides a detailed review of the nurse’s role in an EAP session.

Impact of the Study and Future Considerations

• This study provides valuable information for nurses assisting in the treatment of eating disorders. It underscores the potential of EAP as a therapeutic tool and elucidates the nurse’s multifaceted role within this context.
• While there has been significant progress made in recognizing the benefits of EAP for treating eating disorders, much work is still to be done to understand its mechanisms and further integrate it into standard treatment plans for these complex mental health conditions.