Equine Assisted Counseling And Psychotherapy

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.

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

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

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.

Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling is the most comprehensive book available dedicated to training mental health practitioners in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). It explains the history and practice of AAT in counseling, discusses the latest empirical research, and provides an in-depth explanation of the psychodynamics of AAT within various theoretical frameworks. Readers will learn the proper way to select, train, and evaluate an animal for therapy. The use of a number of different therapy animals is considered, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, farm animals, rabbits and other small animals, and dolphins. Guidelines for implementing AAT in settings such as private practices, community agencies, schools, hospices, and prisons are covered, as well as ethical and legal considerations, risk management, diversity issues, and crisis and disaster response applications. Numerous case examples illustrate the use of AAT principles with clients, and forms, client handouts, and other resources provide valuable tools. This unique resource is an indispensable guide for any counselor looking to develop and implement AAT techniques in his or her practice.

Written by internationally renowned equine-assisted mental health professionals, this edited collection teaches counselors how to design and implement equine-assisted mental health interventions for different populations and various challenges. Supported by ethical considerations and theoretical frameworks, chapters cover common issues including depression, anxiety, grief, ADHD, autism, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-esteem, social skills and communication, couples and family work, and professional development. Each chapter provides practical tips for implementing treatment strategies, case studies with transcript analyses, and sample session notes. This book will appeal to both the expert equine-assisted mental health counselor and the seasoned counselor who is open to partnering with an equine practitioner to help their clients in new and innovative ways.

Equine Therapy Exposed Real life case studies of equine assisted psychotherapy and equine assisted learning with everyday people and horses In this book you will get a sneak peek and deep dive into the emerging professional practice of equine assisted therapy. This unique, beautifully presented and engaging book provides real life case studies with diverse clients, and delivers insight from one of Australia's leading education experts in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy. Meg Kirby (BA, MASW, DIP. GESTALT THERAPY) is a Mental Health Social Worker of 25 years, and international education expert in equine assisted psychotherapy, author, founder, senior trainer, and supervisor at The Equine Psychotherapy Institute. When Meg is not training students from all across the globe in equine, animal, and nature assisted psychotherapy, she spends her time caring for 12 family herd members, three cats, dog "Bear," and rabbit, Darcy... not forgetting her loving husband and two beautiful daughters, Rose and Jasmine. Meg lives and breathes the wisdom of animals and nature. PRAISE FOR EQUINE THERAPY EXPOSED "Meg Kirby's Equine Therapy Exposed is an outstanding book...the case studies are rich and varied...this text is (also) a fantastic resource for integrating psychotherapy with a range of somatic and nature-based therapies, not just equine therapy." Melissa O'Shea, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Academic and Yoga Teacher, Master of Clinical Leadership (MCL), Deakin University "A dynamic and valuable book...filled with tremendous insights and practical suggestions...immensely helpful to professionals attempting to work alongside horses to support their clients' wellbeing." Aubrey H. Fine, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, CA Poly State University, Licensed Psychologist, Editor of The Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy "Meg Kirby takes a significant and meaningful step in the advancement of the professionalization of the fields of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine-Assisted Learning...the case studies splendidly help the reader understand both the depth and the processes that can be achieved in psychotherapy and in learning, with the help of the integration of equines." Nancy Parish-Plass, MA Social Work and Certified in Advanced Psychotherapy Studies, Founding and Current Chairperson of IAAAP Israeli Association of Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy "This book beautifully illustrates the power and effectiveness of the EAP/EAL process." Joan Rieger, MA, LPC Director of the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies & Gestalt Equine Psychotherapist "Thorough elucidation of therapeutic processes when animals are involved remains relatively uncommon in the literature. Brava to Meg Kirby and contributors for creating this most helpful exploration of just that!" Risë VanFleet, PhD, RPT_S, CDBC, CAEBC/I Coauthor with Tracie Faa-Thompson of the award-winning Animal Assisted Play Therapy Principal, International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy "If you are interested in how to work relationally with horses in a psychotherapy and learning context...the AWARE Therapy(TM) model provides a clear framework for practitioners...(and) showcases the adaptability of the approach to a wide range of client populations." Veronica Lac, Ph D Executive Director The HERD Institute(R), USA