Equine-facilitated psychotherapy with adult female survivors of abuse

J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2008 Dec;46(12):36-42. doi: 10.3928/02793695-20081201-08.

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the stories of 5 women who experienced abuse and participated in equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) as part of their recovery. Anecdotal accounts support the effectiveness of EFP with women who have experienced abuse, but there is a lack of supporting research. This study was designed to examine the effectiveness of EFP in the treatment of women who have experienced abuse. Selection criteria included age, experience of abuse, participation in EFP, and ability to understand English. Data analysis identified four patterns in the participants' stories: I Can Have Power; Doing It Hands On, Horses as Co-Therapists, and Turned My Life Around. Overall, the participants' stories show that EFP can be an effective intervention for women who have experienced abuse.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Battered Women / psychology*
  • Female
  • Horses / psychology*
  • Human-Animal Bond
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Power, Psychological
  • Psychiatric Nursing
  • Psychotherapy / economics
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Self Concept
  • Sports / psychology
  • Spouse Abuse / prevention & control
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Survivors / psychology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States