Article

Therapist experiences of equine-assisted psychotherapy in South Africa: A qualitative study

Published in: Journal of Psychology in Africa
Volume 26 , issue 2 , 2016 , pages: 199–203

DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2016.1167333

Author(s): Lucinda Johns School of Applied Human Sciences, , Shaida Bobat School of Applied Human Sciences, , Juanita Holder School of Applied Human Sciences,

Keywords: equine-assisted therapy , therapists experiences , qualitative study , thematic analysis

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Abstract

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.

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