Abstract
Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is a growing form of psychotherapy that has yet to establish a solid research base. The present literature review sought to determine for which adult population(s), if any, this method is the most recommended. This author completed a literature review that involved reading twenty-one studies on a variety of adult populations. Studies were found about veterans and/or people diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, patients with substance use disorders, survivors of interpersonal violence, psychiatric patients, college students, older adults, women with eating disorders and more. Zero incidences of harm were found by using EAP. However, the literature was complicated by the type of EAP treatment provided, small sample sizes, varying duration of treatment, lack of control groups, lack of random assignment, lack of differentiation between group and individual treatment, accessibility, and cost. There is the most research available on veterans and/or people diagnosed with PTSD followed by patients with substance use disorders and then survivors of interpersonal violence. The results obtained for veterans and/or people diagnosed with PTSD are promising. However, further research is still indicated. Research recommendations are provided.
Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Capstone Paper
Recommended Citation
Thiem, Erica, "The Efficacy of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Literature Review" (2024). Counselor Education Capstones. 182.
https://openriver.winona.edu/counseloreducationcapstones/182
