Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Thesis

In 2024 I conducted a psychology honours research project on the experience of psychological change in equine-assisted psychotherapy participants. My project was entitled: Horse Power: Qualitative Insights into Psychological Change in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Here is a little information about the study:

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a novel form of psychotherapy with demonstrated effectiveness in populations traditionally resistant to conventional therapies, such as trauma survivors. Despite its promise, there is limited research exploring the experiences of psychological change among equine-assisted psychotherapy participants, particularly within the Australian context and beyond targeted groups like veterans or adolescents.

This study investigated the experiences of psychological change in Australian equine-assisted psychotherapy clients. While themes of safe connection and trust align with prior research, this research uniquely identified awe as a pivotal factor in psychological transformation.

Additionally, the therapeutic impact of the relational triad (client, horse and practitioner) within a natural setting was found to have a beneficial impact on psychological change. These themes—safe connection, trust, awe, and the wholistic therapeutic experience—are rarely addressed synonymously within other psychotherapeutic modalities.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers seeking to develop individualised treatments for resistant cohorts. As interest in complementary therapies grows, equine-assisted psychotherapy emerges as a compelling alternative to traditional psychotherapeutic approaches.

For further information about this study, kindly email hello@canberraequinetherapy.com.au

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Acknowledgement of Country

In the interest of supporting reconciliation, we pay our respects to the Ngunnawal and Ngambri Elders – past present and emerging – the traditional custodians of the land upon which Canberra Equine Assisted Therapy resides.