Therapist experiences of equine-assisted psychotherapy in South Africa

A qualitative study

Bibliographic Data

ID15345765
AuthorsLucinda Johns (University of KwaZulu-Natal, corresponding author), Shaida Bobat (0000-0002-5199-5234, University of KwaZulu-Natal), Juanita Holder (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
Year2016
Volume26
Issue2
Pages199-203
Publication date2016-04-29
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Psychology in Africa (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1433-0237 • E-ISSN: 1815-5626
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14330237.2016.1167333
OpenAlexW2345924082
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited16

This study examined therapists’ perceptions and experiences of equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP). Participants were 14 practising EAP therapists (females = 86%; male = 14%; age range 20 to 69 years) from across South Africa. They were interviewed utilising electronic interview media. Thematic analysis revealed therapists perceived effectiveness of EAP in providing emotional and interpersonal growth for clients. They also identified training, safety and ethical concerns with this therapeutic modality. Therapists’ experiences with EAP were influenced by their prior interaction with horses as horse owners or horse riders

Animal welfare · Animal-assisted therapy · Interpersonal communication · Perception · Pet therapy · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Child Therapy and Development · Clinical Psychology · Human-Animal Interaction Studies · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Social Psychology

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