Actuality of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy - Dissertation Example

Chapter I Introduction The introduction of scientific medicine towards the end of the 19th century had the effect of displacing companion animals from therapeutic settings until the 1960s, when Boris Levinson renewed the concept. Levinson explained in his book “Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy” the benefits his dog brought to his sessions with children and youth and provided numerous examples of ways in which animals could enhance therapy (Levinson, 1969). Levinson intended for this material based largely on case studies and anecdotes to inform and encourage future research into the various beneficial effects that he observed. While this has occurred to some degree, more often Levinsons writings have been used to justify the implementation of animal-assisted therapy interventions. 1 In spite of their long history and the undeniably positive media attention they normally obtain, animal-assisted interventions are presently best described as a kind of promising corresponding practices that are still struggling to prove their effectiveness and validity. There have been attempts made to regulate terminology and procedures, and a variety of certificate programs are now being offered in connection with colleges and universities. Nonetheless, if the field is to move further than its trimming status, it must begin to follow the path taken by other alternative and complementary therapies (e.g., acupuncture, chiropractic) that have established their credibility by means of carefully controlled clinical trials and valid value studies. Abstract As the lifestyle of people change due to the advancement of technology, more and more people are experiencing illness that scientific medicine can’t cure alone. Thus, various alternative medicines arose that offers different approach in curing not just physical but also mental illness. This paper will focus on the new emerging process called Equine-Assisted therapy. Hence, the paper will discuss the objective of the study and its significant importance. Furthermore, research objectives and methodology will also be included in this paper together with how the researcher plans to conduct the research and the instruments that will be use for data gathering. The paper will also contain the review of related literature for the said topic as well as the definition of some concepts for further understanding of the study. Keyword: equine-assisted psychotherapy. A. Statement of the Problem This study will further describe what really is equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) and discuss the processes and methodology conducted during the therapy. Furthermore, the researcher will also evaluate how well the program contributed to those who subscribe to the therapy and how can it be further improve to a more effective tool for therapists. a. What is Equine-assisted Psychotherapy? b. What are the processes involved in Equine-assisted Psychotherapy? c. How was the program developed? d. What are the latest innovations of the program? B. Significance of the Study A lot of people nowadays experience different kind of mental depression or obsession that result to temporary halt on their everyday lives. However, scientific medicines cannot solely cure everything that a person is experiencing most especially when it is psychological illness. Thus, doctors such as therapy and counseling are conducting a lot of alternative procedures. This research aims to describe and further discuss the new emerging therapy that involves the use of horses. Hence, this research can be of help to the further understanding of EAP and giving the readers new option in terms of therapy treatment. C. Research Objectives This research intends to describe how EAP works and measure its effectivity in terms of the success of those who undergone the said therapy for the purpose of educating people on this new innovation in the field of medicine. In general, this research aims to describe Equine-assisted Psychotherapy and its contribution in the field of medicine. In Specific Terms; 1. To describe Equine-assisted Psychotherapy. 2. To know how the therapy works and what are the processes and methodology involves. 3. To evaluate its success in terms of those who undergone the therapy 4. To know the latest innovations and improvements being conducted in order to further develops the effectiveness of the therapy. D. Methodology 1. Theoretical Framework - The field of animal-assisted interventions currently lacks a unified, widely accepted, or empirically supported theoretical framework for explaining how and why relationships between humans and animals are potentially therapeutic. A considerable variety of possible mechanisms of action have been proposed or alluded to in the literature, most of which focus on the supposedly unique intrinsic attributes of animals that appear to contribute to therapy. Others emphasize the value of animals as living instruments that can be used to affect positive changes in patients self-concept and behavior through the patients acquisition of various skills and acceptance of personal agency and responsibility. Brickel (1985) offers learning as an explanation for the potential anti-anxiolytic benefits of animals in therapeutic contexts. According to learning theory, an activity that is pleasurable will be self-reinforcing and will be more likely to occur in the future. Unpleasant or anxiety-provoking activities, e.g., enduring painful or embarrassing visits to a therapist, may result in avoidance or withdrawal behavior. Just as enjoyable activities are selfreinforcing, avoidance of pain and discomfort provides a negative reinforcement by assuring minimal exposure to the painful stimulus. Brickel (1982) suggests that animals introduced in a therapeutic context may serve as a buffer and divert attention from an anxiety-generating stimulus that the patient faces. This interference allows for self-monitored control over exposure to the stimulus instead of withdrawal and avoidance (e.g., a child may choose to reveal sexual abuse first to the therapy animal rather than revealing it directly to the therapist). If the theory holds, repeated exposure through the animals diverting properties, together the non-aversive consequences should result in the reduction or extinction of anxiety. Brickel does not offer an explanation for why animals, in particular, are apparently so diverting, and it is presumably necessary to resort to other theories to account for this.2 2. Conceptual Framework This study will describe and evaluate Equine-assisted Therapy in terms of its processes and methodology and how effective it is in helping the recuperation process of those who subscribed to it. In relation to it, the researcher must define some terms that will be use for the study. Equine-Assisted Therapy- EAP is an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning. EAP is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term or brief approach. 3. Data Collection Approaches/Techniques The researcher will use journals and other related literature regarding EAP as a method to gather data as well as interviews from the licensed professionals conducting the therapy and from patients who subscribe to the program. E. Scope and Delimitation This research will only focus on Equine-assisted Therapy and will not include other animal-assisted therapy. Furthermore, this study will examine the effectiveness of the program in terms of helping cure addiction and not any other related mental illness. F. Organization of the Study The whole thesis will be composed of six chapters. Chapter one will explain the whole work plan for the thesis including the argument of mode of attack while chapter two will contain the review of related literature. On chapter three, the researcher will discuss the background of the study and the interpretation of the data gathered while interview results will be shown on chapter four. Chapter five will consist the observation and experiences of the researcher upon the process of conducting the study and the observations on the actual therapy itself. The last chapter on the other hand will discuss the conclusion and recommendation of the researcher. The abovementioned organization is subject to change depending on the researcher’s decision and the availability of time and resources to finish the said plan. G. Ethical Consideration The research will respect any request for anonymity of the interviewees. Furthermore, the researcher ensures that all data and information that will be gathered will only be used for the purpose of the research and not on anything else. No data or information will be released after the research is done without the prior consent of any person involve in the study. Chapter II Review of Related Literature Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) dates back to the experiential therapy movement of the 1970s, when alternatives to traditional talking therapies were created. Most EAP programmes are based on the belief that people who are susceptible to addictions and have a baseline of unresolved historic trauma creating an unbearable level of anxiety that leads to self-medication with alcohol, drugs, food, sex and other behaviours. EAP has been successful in helping to treat patients with these mental health issues by providing a powerful and moving experiental therapy for trauma resolution that incorporates teaching and practising essential life skills.3 EAP is a team approach in which a licensed mental health professional, a certified equine specialist and specially trained horses work together to co-facilitate a therapeutic process.  EAP is an experiential, action based and short-term therapy wherein every activity is designed with specific objectives and themes that enable participants to learn about themselves and others develop specific skills and overcome obstacles.4   EAP activities produce endless experiences and situations for discussion and learning, which results to the confidence and communication improvement, personal insights gain and the development of new and effective problem-solving tools. It is important to note that EAP is not about riding or horsemanship skills. As a matter of fact, over 90% of the specifically designed activities are done on the ground in which horses are employed as a part of the treatment team. EAP work must be done outdoors, in all weathers and at all times, which has a significant impact on EAP’s effectiveness and guided imagery can help patients immerse themselves in the experience. Clinical issues usually emerge as patients experience the unusual sensations of the equestrian site and the setting is particularly useful for those who have experienced multiple interventions and are blocked. 5 Most equine therapy is conducted in groups, with an equine therapist responsible for the horses’ and patients’ safety and a primary psychotherapist who facilitates the process through experiential techniques that promote the relationship between the patients and horses and maximises the therapeutic process. The EAP therapist : patient interaction helps both to assess and process feelings, behaviours and patterns. Working with horses reveals specific coping skills and styles, while the use of metaphor allows the therapist and patient to transfer the human: horse relationship into human interactions. For example, a patient who finds it difficult to set healthy boundaries in relationships will allow a horse to nip at his or her hands and clothing. While the patient might think that this behaviour is affectionate, it is actually aggressive and the therapist can explore this misconception as a clinical issue. The options are as diverse as the therapists’ desires to develop and implement them. The horse’s response to the physical and emotional state of the client provides an excellent opportunity for the therapist to explore the patients’ cognitive and emotional processes as they experience the results of following instructions, being aware of themselves and others, setting boundaries and mindfulness. Ultimately, if the patient’s interactions with the horse are rewarding and productive, similar intentions related to one are self and other human beings and activities will be equally effective. Working with horses lets patients engage in a new experience of themselves on a very fundamental level while they relate to a large, intelligent and essentially forgiving and kind animal. Few people have neutral reactions to horses. For some patients, EAP reinforces their positive experiences of being closer to and more comfortable with animals, while others approach this therapeutic model with trepidation. These presets generate enormous emotional energy at the outset, completely transforming the therapeutic process. Being and working with horses encourages people to identify and express their feelings – in turn, horses are measurably more comfortable with and better-behaved around people who are congruent within themselves.6 Choice is an important part of the EAP experience. The process begins with the patient choosing a horse and most selects equines that reflect important aspects of them. Patients’ verbal descriptions of their chosen animals are usually pure projection of their own personalities, issues and body types. If more than one person selects a particular horse, issues around sharing and negotiating arise and must be resolved before the session can begin. How patients approach their horses and related tasks offers irrefutable insight into how they approach other life challenges. Working with and caring for horses takes time and physical, mental and emotional effort. The patient’s need for control and structure, safety and familiarity and physical comfort add an extra dimension to the anxiety experienced when entering a new therapeutic environment. Talk is replaced by tasks involving touch, movement and other elements that aren’t part of the usual therapeutic environment, enabling dysfunctional behaviours or patterns to emerge during the therapy session. With the therapist’s help, patients learn about and practice successful new behaviours that will help them in all facets of their lives. Horses may also be used as role players in psychodramatic vignettes and to reveal transferred emotions.7 Activities as simple as the grooming process – picking mud out of feed, untangling manes and tails and brushing the horse’s coat – help patients to work on issues like nurturing, attention, asking for help, isolation, dependence, performance anxiety, connection and intimacy. Patients frequently find that these seemingly-simple activities lead to feelings of fear, inadequacy, anger and frustration and it is at this point, when emotions are high and defences are low, that issues become obvious to the patient and therapist. Working with a horse provides an excellent opportunity to explore new behaviours and experience new results, which has a swift and profound effect on patients that fosters personal growth and connection to the environment and peers. For their own safety, patients must be aware of their bodies and where they are in relation to their horses. The lack of self-nurturing and healthy boundaries is often evident patients with addictions issues and their responses to the horses are often similar to their responses to their home and work environments. Horses inform patients about their level of connection by ignoring or walking away from them, being distracted by other horses or movements on the yard or eating. The moment when the horse responds to the patient is an excellent opportunity to practice congruence with feelings and behaviours. Patients often complain about horses being lazy or stupid, but then learn that if they change their attitudes and behaviours, the horse responds positively to them. Reference: _________ Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship. http://www.rideon.org/EAP.htm. (Accessed Date: Dec.19, 2006) Mann, M.L. http://www.cirquelodge.com/Resources/Articles/EquineTherapy. (Accessed Date: Dec. 19, 2006) ________ http://www.prioryhealthcare.com/webfiles/facilities/EquineAssistedPsychotherapy.pdf. (Accessed Date: Dec. 18, 2006) Thomas, L. Horse-Play Can be Therapeutic: Equine Assisted Psychotherapy http://www.strugglingteens.com/opinion/horseplay.html. (Accessed Date: Dec. 18, 2006) Read More