Publication Date
2011
Document Type
Masters Thesis
Department
School for Social Work
Keywords
Horsemanship-Therapeutic use., Touch-Psychological aspects, Psychotherapist and patient, Psychotherapy, Touch, Equine, Horse, Animal, Contact, Clinician, Equine therapy
Abstract
This study was undertaken to examine touch between human and equine in the therapeutic context from the perspective of the clinician conducting an equine facilitated psychotherapy session. Thirteen practitioners, twelve from the mental health field and one life coach, participated in a single semi-structured in-depth interview. The practitioners were questioned on their views of touch between themselves and their clients, and between horse and client. They were also asked if their touch practices changed with the presence of an animal, as well as what outcome they saw due to clients touching the horse, and in which situations. The findings showed that the majority of practitioners found they touched their clients with more frequency in the presence of animals, and that touch allowed the client to attach to the animal and thus work more safely from a secure base on a variety of therapeutic goals.
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Sexauer, Ann Marie, "Equine embrace : touch and the therapeutic encounter in equine facilitated psychotherapy from the perspective of the clinician" (2011). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/1014
Comments
iii, 86 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)-Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2011. Includes bibliographical references (p. 79-81)