Understanding of therapists’ experiences and perceptions of equine facilitated psychotherapy, an interpretative phenomenological study

DCPsych thesis


Salah, F.A. 2024. Understanding of therapists’ experiences and perceptions of equine facilitated psychotherapy, an interpretative phenomenological study. DCPsych thesis Middlesex University / New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC) Psychology
TypeDCPsych thesis
TitleUnderstanding of therapists’ experiences and perceptions of equine facilitated psychotherapy, an interpretative phenomenological study
AuthorsSalah, F.A.
Abstract

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is a form of animal-assisted therapy that seeks to address mental health issues. Previous works have been centered on what the clients experience, this interpretative phenomenological analysis study focuses on the lived experiences of six EFP therapists. It aims to bring out how they were affected personally and professionally by being part of EFP approach.

Four superordinate themes emerged from the analysis: EFP as an "Arena of Growth," an "Unconventional Therapy Session," a personal growth via "Living the Experience, Learning from Equines," and a field presenting unique "Challenges." Participants highlighted the transformative power of the horse-human bond, the experiential nature of EFP sessions, and the profound personal development they experienced through their work. They also identified challenges related to equine welfare, environmental limitations, financial accessibility, and the need for further research to substantiate EFP's efficacy.

These results provide useful information about what it means to be an EFP therapist which can help in understanding this new area better. They highlight some areas that should be investigated by future researchers including how different methods work together with EFPs and looking at long term effects on well-being and professional growth among therapists involved in such programmes. Moreover, there is need for wider recognition through stronger evidence base showing its efficacy as a therapeutic approach.

KeywordsEquine facilitated psychotherapy; counselling; psychotherapy; equine assisted therapy; mental health; therapists; embodiment; animal assisted therapy; psychotherapy; therapy
Sustainable Development Goals3 Good health and well-being
Middlesex University ThemeHealth & Wellbeing
Department namePsychology
Science and Technology
Institution nameMiddlesex University / New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC)
Collaborating institutionNew School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC)
PublisherMiddlesex University Research Repository
Publication dates
Online19 Nov 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted07 Oct 2024
Deposited19 Nov 2024
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open
LanguageEnglish
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https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/1wq31w

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Accepted author manuscript
FASalah thesis.pdf
File access level: Open

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