Publication Date

2009

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Horsemanship-Therapeutic use, Horsemanship-Economic aspects., Animals-Therapeutic use, Therapeutic alliance

Abstract

This study was undertaken to explore some of the barriers that keep EAP(Equine Assisted Psychotherapist) practitioners from connecting with prospective clients and/or allowing them to make EAP a more viable part of their therapy repertoire. Similar to more traditional therapy, EAP can be used for a wide variety of disorders. A qualitative study was conducted by having qualified participants fill out a questionnaire and collecting their ideas and thoughts about what barriers exist and some ideas of how to overcome said barriers. Supporting questions were also asked, such as the efficacy of EAP with certain populations and how EAP can fit into and with more traditional forms of therapy. The findings were very revealing about different struggles that the participants are either going through at the time of answering the questionnaire, or had gone through in their past. Some spoke of how they have overcome or circumnavigated those barriers, and others stated their continuing frustrations. Every participant stated that they have seen impressive results from EAP, especially with certain populations. Yet everyone has also mentioned that financial concerns were one of the biggest barriers standing between the therapy and those that would benefit from it.

Language

English

Comments

iii, 46 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2009. Includes bibliographical references (p. 35-37)

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