Therapeutic value of equine-human bonding in recovery from trauma
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Category | Journal Articles |
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Abstract |
Although most human-animal bond research has focused on relationships between humans and pets, animals have been used for therapeutic purposes in a variety of settings. Therapeutic riding programs have demonstrated a positive impact on quality of life for people with disabilities. Equine-facilitated psychotherapy is a promising approach to address self-esteem, depression, and other emotional or psychological problems. Restoration of the trauma victim's capacity for recovery hinges on provision of safety and development of trust, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Thus, recovery from trauma represents an ideal context for exploring the therapeutic impact of equine-human relationships. The six participants in this study recognized that their pre-existing relationships with horses were therapeutic during recovering from trauma, defined as sufficient to have caused significant change in the participant's life. Semi-structured interviews and video-tapes of horse-rider interaction were used to describe the nature of the equine-human bond and its contribution to recovery from trauma. The equine-human bonds described by participants have parallels both with important elements of therapeutic alliances between professionals and clients and with the positive impact of relationship factors on client outcome. |
Date | 2008 |
Publication Title | Anthrozoos |
Volume | 21 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 17-30 |
ISBN/ISSN | 0892-7936 |
DOI | http://dx.doi.org/10.2752/089279308X274038 |
Language | English |
Author Address | Georgian College, 825 Memorial Drive, Box 2316, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 6S2, Canada.jyorke@georgianc.on.ca |
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