Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning

The Human-Equine Relational Development (HERD) Approach

Veronica Lac

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN: 9780128126011
• eBook ISBN: 9780128126028
• Topic: Psychology
• Subtopic: Clinical Psychology
• Index: Psychology

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning: The Human-Equine Relational Development (HERD) Approach offers a hands-on approach to integrating equine-assisted therapy and learning into mental health treatment. Based on the HERD Institute model, the book showcases a series of case studies that cover working with patients with trauma, attachment disorders and depression.Additional case studies show varied approaches to working with families, couples and culturally-diverse populations. Ethical and safety considerations are covered, emphasizing the importance of both human and equine welfare in the equine-facilitated psychotherapy and learning model.- Identifies the benefits of equine-facilitated therapy and therapeutic riding- Features case studies of equine-facilitated psychotherapy in different settings- Discusses use of therapy for depression, trauma, attachment disorders and more- Includes use with couples, families, individuals and culturally diverse populations

Part I

Outline

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Why Horses? What is Equine Therapy?

Chapter 3 Philosophical Foundations

Chapter 4 Theoretical Foundations

Chapter 5 Theoretical Foundations II: Where Does the Horse Fit in?

Chapter 1

Introduction

Abstract

This chapter offers an insight into the rationale for a book that incorporates the philosophical and theoretical foundations of a cohesive and integrated approach to equine-facilitated psychotherapy and learning (EFPL). It introduces the human-equine relational development approach to EFPL, and the importance of an embodied and relational way of working. The chapter ends with some personal insights from the author on her journey in EFPL.

Keywords

Equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP); equine-facilitated learning (EFL); HERD approach; human-equine relational development; EFPL

The field of equine-assisted/facilitated psychotherapy (EAP/EFP) and equine-facilitated learning (EFL) is beginning to gain popularity in North America and Europe. There have been a number of publications recently that have made major contributions to the field in terms of theory and practice, outlining ways to work with differing populations, and offering practical suggestions in terms of exercises to set up with clients.

As a growing modality, there is still much to do in terms of empirical research and explication of theories. As yet, there is little available in the way of solid philosophical foundations from a scholarly perspective of the work. This book is an attempt to open up the dialogue for both scholars and practitioners to collectively build upon the work of the pioneers in our field. It takes a deeper look at the philosophy behind what we mean when we say that EAP/EFP and EFL helps to build relationships. Whether we are working with therapy clients—individuals, couples, families, and groups—or in educational or corporate/organizational environments, it is important to understand our philosophical origins in order to bring the theory alive in our practice. This book is for students, licensed mental health practitioners, educators, and corporate/organizational trainers who are interested in incorporating horses into their work with clients, as well as for those who are already out there offering equine-facilitated learning and therapeutic interventions. It is for the academic scholar wanting to delve deeper into the philosophical origins of this field, as well as those who are new to the language of philosophy.

The Human-Equine Relational Development (HERD) Institute offers training and development for Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning (EFPL) practitioners. The approach is influenced by my years of experience in practice, and the HERD approach to EFPL is the result of my doctoral research. This book also serves as the core text for the training at the HERD Institute. The HERD Institute aims to create a global community, of students and practitioners for EFPL who are committed to furthering the work of the pioneers of our field. We offer an inclusive environment, embracing an attitude of abundance, and honor the potential of all our members. We aim for EFPL to be recognized as an empirically based treatment and educational modality, and support members to develop the integrity of their personal philosophy, expand their knowledge and skills, and broaden their horizons through continuous learning and practice. Our core values are centered on a passion for learning, compassion for our fellow beings, and the commitment to professional and personal development. It is my hope that these values are evident throughout this book.

My experience in the last 20 years as a corporate trainer and mental health professional, as well as a certified therapeutic riding instructor, provides me with an integrated perspective to EFPL. My academic background includes a masters in training and performance management, a masters in gestalt psychotherapy, and a PhD in psychology. I have trained in a number of models in EFP/EFL including a mentorship in adventures in awareness with Barbara Rector, a pioneering influence in this field, and certification through the Gestalt Equine Institute of the Rockies. This has allowed me to integrate my theoretical understanding into a somatically based clinical practice and training methodology. The theoretical basis for the HERD approach to EFPL is a synthesis of existential-humanistic psychology, gestalt psychotherapy, therapeutic riding principles, and somatically based experiential learning.

Body language and nonverbal communication have always intrigued me. Within the corporate world, many decision-making moments can be observed through subtle shifts in body language and nonverbal cues. Working as a corporate trainer to senior executives in a wide range of businesses allowed me to sink deeper into the nonverbal culture of organizations. Throughout my training and practice as a gestalt therapist, I have been particularly impacted by how much information is available through paying attention to both my client’s, and my own, body process. From mindfully breathing and moving exercises, to explorations of body positioning and postures, I have gained a deeper insight into the embodied relational process of therapy.

Not long after graduating from my gestalt masters’ program, I decided to treat myself to a block of horseback riding lessons. Around the same time, my husband and I decided to bring a puppy into our lives. The combination of these two events shifted my professional focus to the potential of animal facilitated therapy and learning, and consequently an even fuller immersion into embodiment-based practice. In my clinical work, I have specialized in working with eating disorders, trauma, and attachment and have developed equine and canine facilitated programs for at-risk adolescents in collaboration with residential treatment centers, eating disorder clinics, and intensive familiy-based out-patient programs. As a PATH International registered therapeutic riding instructor, I work with clients with cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges. As a corporate trainer, I have worked with the CEOs and board level directors of Fortune 500 companies internationally in equine-faciliated learning sessions.

Ultimately, when we are with animals, my academic credentials are irrelevant. Presence is priority. As an animal lover, I am often more comfortable in the company of my dogs and horses than with people, and it is from them that I have learned the most about embodied presence. Over time, I began to inhabit myself more fully bodily; became more attentive to energetic presence within myself and of others; found fluidity of intention through breath and movement; and heightened my awareness of how I block my own energetic process. Most of all, I discovered the depth of relationship that can be reached when I fully embody each moment.

As I reflect on my motivation to do this work and write this book, I have come to realize what the horses have always known. The most meaningful learning does not come from techniques or knowledge. As therapists, educators, trainers, and coaches, we bring ourselves fully into the moment and engage in relationships with our clients as fellow human beings. We share the moment, the space, and the air that we breathe as we connect with our clients and ourselves. There is mutuality in this connection that allows us to be not just a professional, but a living, breathing, sentient being with them. It is in this togetherness that healing and growth occurs. As our clients find their place in the world, in their “herd,” in their lives, we too find ourselves. This interconnectedness allows us to take ownership of the fact that our every action, or inaction, creates a ripple effect for those around us. Much like horses in a herd, we cannot help but to make an impact on each other. So what draws me towards offering the HERD approach for EFPL, and doing this work, is the same as what helps us all to find meaning: connection, relationship, and knowing that our existence matters.

Chapter 2

Why Horses? What is Equine Therapy?

Abstract

This chapter outlines the benefits of including horses in therapeutic and personal development works. It reviews the literature regarding the human–horse connection, provides an overview of the field of EFPL(Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning), and highlights the different theoretical approaches within it. This chapter draws the distinction between EFP (Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy) and EFL (Equine-Facilitated Learning), as well as Therapeutic Riding, and emphasizes the importance for practitioners to be clear about their scope of practice. It also provides a synopsis of definitions within the industry and a clarification of the terminologies used.

Keywords

Human–horse connection; equine-facilitated psychotherapy; equine-facilitated learning; therapeutic riding; EAP; HeartMath; equine therapy

Arriving at the barn one day, I pulled up to the parking lot adjacent to the large paddock where the mares are usually turned out. As I got out of my truck, I noticed that all the mares were milling around near the gate. I spotted my mare, Reba, who had started pacing the fence line upon seeing me and was whinnying loudly. Although this was unusual, I thought she was simply waiting to be brought in for her morning grain and was telling me to hurry up, so I continued into the barn to fetch her halter. As I walked back towards the paddock, Reba became more frantic. I noticed that one of the mares was facing the opposite way to the rest of the herd and appeared to be exceptionally close to the four-board fencing. Then, I caught a glimpse of metal flashing in the sunlight along the fence and realized that the mare had somehow got her back leg stuck on the top rail. Her hoof was caught by the top of her shoe, on top of the wooden fence. Reaching for my phone, I called our barn owner as I ran towards the paddock. Sizing up the situation, I realized that there was no way that I could free the mare without taking the fence board off. I had to wait for help.

I walked into the paddock and the horses parted to make way for me to get to the injured mare, Lady. She was sweating and shaking. I had no idea how long she had been there. I stood with her and stroked her neck to reassure her that help was on its way. Within a couple of minutes, Carrie, the barn owner was at the fence with a hammer. I wanted to make sure that Lady didn’t fall over as soon as she got free, so I put Reba’s halter on her as Carrie pried the fence rail off the post and lifted her leg free. She stumbled forward a couple of steps before regaining her balance and exhaled.

The rest of the mares had stayed nearby. As I led Lady towards the gate, each one of her companions came up to her and they sniffed at each other. The first one to come over was the lead mare in the herd. She placed her muzzle on Lady’s withers and rubbed her lips across her back. Then came Reba, her closest companion. Reba sniffed Lady’s neck and down her back towards the hind leg that had been stuck. She paused as she made her way back up to her hip, and breathed out. Lady turned her head as if to acknowledge Reba’s concern, and exhaled deeply. I was moved to tears as I watched them connecting, and in my mind at least, reassuring each other that everything would now be okay. Panic over. Peace and harmony restored.

As I handed the mare over to Carrie, who had by then called the vet who was on his way, I turned to Reba who was standing by my side. “Thank you, for letting me help your friend. And thank you for trying to get my attention.”

The Human Equine Relational Development (HERD) approach is based on the understanding that both humans and horses are sentient beings. Our shared evolution over millennia has provided us with the ability to connect across species in a deep and profound way. This can only happen, of course, if we listen closely to ourselves, and our equine partners, through a compassionate and authentic way of relating. In developing our relational capacity with our horses, we can come to a deeper understanding of ourselves. In turn, we can transfer this way of being-in-the-world into other areas of our lives and relationships. The human–equine relationship is historically central in the mythical and spiritual tales of many cultures around the world. Our coexistence over the centuries has instilled a sense of awe and wonder at these majestic creatures, and it is with reverence and respect that we step into their world to invite them to partner with us in the work that we do. The HERD philosophy is one of compassion, present moment awareness, and connection. It is an embodied relational journey that honors our equine partners and their way of being.

Horses embody the concept of relationship, living in the present moment with the whole of their being. As herd animals, they survive through their ability to be constantly aware of their surroundings and each other. Archeologist K.A. Oma believes that in the presence of humans, horses will transfer their herd-based relational instincts to people, including viewing people as part of their herd:

The human–horse relationship is founded on interconnectedness where a joint participation in the world leads to a state of humans and horses being mixed. Inherently, species that live together come to attune to each other, and a platform of communication based upon sympathetic responses to each other is established.

Horses and humans have co-evolved for millennia, as evidenced by the cave paintings in France dating back to 30,000 B.C., and have been woven into the fabric of human lives through being a source of transportation, power for machinery, war heroes, and companions. Horses have been depicted in mythologies, fairy tales, and legends as metaphors for strength, courage, resilience, and compassion. From the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, to the Chinese Dynasties and Mongolian shamans, humans have turned to the horse for their wisdom and guidance. According to Hamilton, author of Evidence-Based Horsemanship, the relationship between horses and humans allows for the unique opportunity to switch off left-brain thinking, and instead “return to a primal, nonverbal state of awareness.” Without the interference of language, we reconnect with the energy shared among all life forms. The connection is palpable and immediate.

There is no greater example of this attunement than between horse and rider, as Oma points out: “when the human and the horse are in tune together, the relationship is what matters, and species are forgotten.” Riding is an act of partnership; it is a dance and requires trust, fluidity, and whole-hearted presence from both beings. The seamless movements that come from experiencing the feeling of inhabiting each other in an embodied way are crucial to this dance and impact the emotional state of both horse and human.

The HeartMath Institute conducted various studies related to Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which are heart rhythm patterns that correlate to emotional states and can be measured as electromagnetic pulses. The heart generates the body’s strongest electromagnetic field, almost 60 times greater than that produced by the brain. Initial studies showed that:

Negative emotions, such as anger or frustration, are associated with an erratic, disordered, incoherent pattern in the heart’s rhythms. In contrast, positive emotions, such as love or appreciation, are associated with a smoot...

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• Dedication
• About the Author
• Contributors
• Foreword
• Acknowledgments
• Part I
• Part II
• Part III
• Bibliography
• Index