Equine-Facilitated Therapy and Trauma

Current Knowledge, Future Needs

Bibliographic Data

ID2501355
AuthorsMarlys Staudt (University of Tennessee at Knoxville, corresponding author), Donna J Cherry (Knoxville College), Donna Cherry
Year2017
Volume18
Issue1
Pages403-414
Publication date2017-09-24
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAdvances in Social Work (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1527-8565 • E-ISSN: 2331-4125
PublisherIUPUI University Library (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.18060/21292
OpenAlexW2760779281
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited2

Equine-facilitated therapy (EFT) is a relatively new treatment for trauma and PTSD. EFT as well as animal assisted interventions in general have been introduced and implemented in mental health treatment for children and adults, though the research in support of these interventions has not kept up with practice. The purpose of this review is to examine the use of EFT for clients suffering from trauma/PTSD. Studies were included if PTSD/trauma was assessed and/or was measured as an outcome. A search of relevant databases resulted in nine peer-reviewed studies that met criteria. Studies are summarized and implications for future research are discussed. In general, findings suggest that EFT is a promising intervention for trauma/PTSD. Recommendations include a call for more research that includes veterans as well as for research that explicates the mechanisms by which EFT may be effective. Key words: trauma, PTSD, equine, equine therapy

Anxiety · Exposure therapy · Mental health · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Psychotherapist · Clinical Psychology · Human-Animal Interaction Studies · Medicine · Psychology · Veterinary Orthopedics and Neurology · Veterinary Practice and Education Studies

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Open DOIOpen Access