SAGITTARIUS
RISING,
LLC
Equine Assisted Therapy:
Striving for Balance In a New Form of Psychotherapy
By Lisa S. Baugh
The complete 128 page master’s thesis is available for purchase. Comes wire bound with black front and back vinyl cover. $46 includes shipping and handling.
Contact by phone or email for details.
(561) 791-8939 lsbaugh1@yahoo.com
"An important piece of work for anyone already in the
field of Equine Assisted Therapy or interested in the field of Equine Assisted Therapy. It gives a balanced history of this evolving
discipline and the struggles that any emerging field inevitably encounters. Also discussed is the potential impact of the unconscious
dynamics of practitioners making us aware of how this can inform our understanding of the field and our influence on the efficacy of
the work. A wonderful introduction to the Equine Assisted Therapy world with the necessary depth to help make those interested and/or
involved look more mindfully towards its future."
DR. JOSEPH LANCIA
Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
University of Rochester Medical Center
Abstract
Equine assisted therapy is an experiential form of psychotherapy in which clients interact with horses. Participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with horses and processing the feelings, emotions, behaviors, and response patterns that emerge. This thesis outlines the history and evolution of equine assisted therapy highlighting the mythical, archetypal, and spiritual aspects of the horse and the healing value of re-connecting with nature. Developmental milestones and prominent contributors to the growth of the field are cited. Current controversies such as research and methodological issues, standards and credentials, statistical versus empirical data, the role of the horse, power issues within the treatment team, and developing professionalism are addressed. Differences in opinion among practitioners regarding the horse-human relationship and how it is interpreted are explored. Special consideration is given to the mechanisms of the unconscious such as transference, projection, projective identification, and idealization and how they influence the professional practitioner’s orientation to the work and ability to facilitate effectively. It is concluded that the polarity of positions within the field serve a self-regulating function as the industry strives to develop balance.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER II - HORSES IN HISTORY & HEALING
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CHAPTER II
(Continued) CHAPTER III - CONTROVERSIES IN THE FIELD
CHAPTER IV - DEVELOPING BALANCE REFERENCES AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH |