Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for adolescents experiencing depression and/or anxiety: A therapist’s perspective.

This research study examines therapists’ views on the use of horses in therapy (Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy or EAP) for teenagers facing depression and/or anxiety. This Australian study highlights improvements among adolescents, such as increased assertiveness and self-confidence, along with reduced undesirable behaviours.

Overview of the Research and its Purpose

• The study centres around Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy or EAP, a kind of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), applied to adolescents dealing with depression and anxiety.
• EAP involves a collaborative team of a licensed therapist and horse specialist working together with a client to reach therapeutic goals, harnessing the therapeutic advantages of engaging with horses.
• Given that Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs) do not solely rely on language as a tool for change, they can potentially circumvent some obstacles that traditional therapy modalities may face.
• The study aims to gain insights from EAP facilitators on the biopsychosocial advantages and therapeutic outcomes when using EAP with adolescents experiencing depression and/or anxiety.

Key Findings of the Study

• The research highlights a variety of improvements among adolescent clients who have been in the EAP program.
• These improvements encompass increase in confidence, self-esteem and assertiveness.
• The therapists also reported a decrease in undesirable behaviours among the teenagers following the intervention.
• The effective results observed in EAP are attributed to the experiential nature of involving horses in the therapy sessions.

Limitations and Challenges in Recognition of EAP

• Despite the observed benefits and effectiveness of EAP, the study notes a lack of understanding in the broader community about this therapeutic approach.
• This lack of awareness is seen as a barrier to the recognition and acceptance of EAP, thereby hindering its perceived validity as a therapeutic intervention.

Implications of the Research

• This research highlights the potential benefits and effectiveness of incorporating alternative therapies, such as EAP, in addressing mental health challenges in adolescents.
• Increased awareness and understanding of such alternative therapies could lead to wider acceptance and application in the field of mental health, thereby benefiting a larger population.