The Clinical Practice of Equine-Assisted Therapy bridges theory, research, and practical methods to fill a rapidly developing gap for physical, occupational, speech, and mental health professionals interested in incorporating horses in therapy. Extensively researched and citing over 300 peer-reviewed journal articles, it examines core issues such as terminology, scope of practice, competency recommendations, horse care ethics, and clinical practice considerations. This book is an essential resource for professionals who wish to use a best-practices approach to equine-assisted therapy.

First Published in 2012. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The Equine-Assisted Therapy Workbook gives readers the tools they need to increase professional competency and personalize the practical applications of equine-assisted therapy. Each chapter includes thought-provoking ethical questions, hands-on learning activities, self-assessments, practical scenarios, and journal assignments applicable to a diverse group of healthcare professionals. The perfect companion to The Clinical Practice of Equine-Assisted Therapy, this workbook is appropriate for both students and professionals.

Equine-Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy offers a comprehensive guide to the practice of working with equines in a psychotherapeutic setting. Chapters provide a research-informed approach to integrating the contributions of horses and other equines into mental health services. With a focus on equine welfare, the book uses a relational approach to explore a broad range of topics, including documentation and treatment planning, work with clients across the lifespan and with diverse needs, complexities related to horses in the therapeutic relationship, as well as ethical, legal, and best-practice considerations. Mental health and equine professionals will come away from the book with a strong understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of equine-assisted counseling.

Since time eternal horses have walked beside us, helping to shape our destinies, taking us on journeys of the soul, and offering as a gift their power, mystique, and beauty. While it has taken some time, mental health professionals and educators alike have begun to formally acknowledge the emotional, mental and physical benefits that humans can receive by spending time with horses. In the U.S. alone, there are already more than 900 programs that offer therapeutic or educational programming provided in partnership with horses. Leif Hallberg has extensively researched the field of Equine Facilitated Mental Health and Educational Services, and this book reveals the many ways horses can help humans. Become familiar with: Key definitions Historical information about working with horses in therapeutic and educational settings Ethical considerations Practical applications Learn more about the healing power of horses and their rich history of working together with humans in Walking the Way of the Horse. For additional information about this book, and Leif Hallberg visit www.walkingthewayofthehorse.com

Clinicians have long recognized that trauma therapy provides a pathway to recovery, and Equine-Assisted Mental Health for Healing Trauma provides that pathway for those who work with horses and clients together. This book demonstrates a range of equine-assisted mental health approaches and step-by-step strategies for facilitating recovery from trauma for children, adults, and families. Chapters address topics such as chronic childhood trauma, accident-related trauma, complex trauma and dissociation, posttraumatic growth in combat veterans, somatic experiencing and attachment, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), reactive attachment disorder (RAD), relational trauma, and sexual trauma. Experts also provide case studies accompanied by transcript analyses to demonstrate the process of trauma healing. Clinicians will come away from the book with a wealth of theoretical and practical skills and an in-depth, trauma-informed understanding that they can use directly in their work with clients.

Equine assisted psychotherapy is a professional, innovative, and experiential approach to counseling, psychotherapy, and mental health that supports clients of all ages with horses as assistants and co-facilitators in the process. Meg Kirby’s book has made a significant contribution to the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), in articulating a Model of EAP that has foundation in psychological theory, therapeutic technique, accountable professional integrity, and utmost respect for our animal counterparts. A much needed contribution for the field, globally. Melissa Johnstone, Psychologist Meg Kirby’s insight and ability to integrate psychotherapy theory and practice closes ‘the gap’ (the fields’ current deficit or ‘gap’ in rigorous theoretical underpinnings), and provides a comprehensive relational psychotherapy model for working with horses to support clients. In line with best practice therapy, this book offers an introduction to an ethical equine assisted psychotherapy model, and is an ‘appetiser’ for curious mental health practitioners, students and the global community interested in professional animal assisted practice.Naomi Rossthorn, Counsellor and Researcher The Equine Assisted Therapy movement we’re all so passionate about will benefit from Meg Kirby’s strong theoretical approach that is firmly grounded in psychotherapy practice, and has a uniquely Australian modelling and voice.Dr Anna Cohen, Clinical Psychologist and Author