Paper
Thursday, 20 July 2006
This presentation is part of : Adult Mental Health Issues and Innovations
Lived Experience of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy in Adult Female Survivors of Abuse
Judy M. Bradberry, PhD, RN1, Florence Roberts, PhD, RN1, and Krista Meinersmann, PhD, RN2. (1) Dept. of Nursing, Brenau University, Gainesville, GA, USA, (2) Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
Learning Objective #1: Identify the benefits of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy(EFP) in facilitating recovery from abuse.
Learning Objective #2: Identify ways in which EFP differs from traditional therapy for abuse survivors.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) from the perspective of women who have experienced domestic abuse. EFP is a form of experiential psychotherapy that includes horses. EFP provides clients with opportunities to enhance self-awareness and re-pattern maladaptive behaviors. Anecdotal accounts of the effectiveness of EFP with adult women appear in the literature but there is a little research to support these accounts. This study addresses this gap in the literature. Significance: Intimate partner abuse is a major public health problem in the U.S. and the health care community has been called upon to develop interventions that increase the overall health and safety of women while respecting their autonomy. EFP is one such intervention that can be used by psych/mental health providers. Method: This study used a qualitative design focused on the lived experience of women who have experienced abuse and participated in EFP. Sampling: Selection criteria include: women 18 or older, experienced abuse at some point, participated in EFP, and able to read and speak English. Seven women who met the selection criteria have been interviewed as of December, 2005. Data Collection: After completing a demographic questionnaire each participant was asked: “Tell me about your experience of participating in Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy.” The interview continued with further prompts and clarifying questions. Each interview was audio taped and transcribed. Data Analysis: Data analysis involves team members comparing summaries and agreeing on a list of themes identified. The final description will be taken back to the participants to assure that it reflects their experience. Results: Emerging themes include: Horses as co-therapists, Breathing, Stays with you, Life changing experiences, Boundaries, Empowerment, and Big Eye Opener. Discussion/Conclusions: The preliminary results indicate that EFP is an effective intervention for women who have experienced abuse.

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