Table of Contents

Compassionate care of the horses can seamlessly be transferred to a client’s daily interactions with other people.

Harnessing the Power of Equine Assisted Counseling:
Adding Animal Assisted Therapy to Your Practice

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Introduction
About the Editor
About the Contributors

SECTION ONE: Equine Assisted Interventions in Mental Health
Kay Sudekum Trotter

• Defining Equine Assisted Interventions
• Certification Board for Equine Interaction Professionals
• PATH International
• Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association
• Equine Assisted Interventions in Mental Health
• Theoretical Foundations
  — Animal–Human Bond
  — Development and the Animal–Human Bond
• Animal Assisted Therapy
• The Delta Society
• Equine Assisted Counseling
• Theoretical Foundations of Equine Assisted Counseling— Brief Therapy
  — Gestalt Therapy
  — Reality Therapy
  — Adlerian Therapy
• The Nature Connection— Implications for Conducting Counseling Outdoors
• References

SECTION TWO: Looking at Equine Assisted Counseling from the Horses’ Perspective
Pat Parelli with Linda Parelli

• How to Assure the Safety and Comfort of the Horse in a Counseling Session
• How to Select Horses Appropriate for Equine Assisted Counseling
• Potential Risks and Stresses to the Horses Used in Counseling
• The Best Way for a Counselor Inexperienced With Horses to First Approach and Connect With the Horse
• Parelli Natural Horsemanship Four Key Points:<— Relationship
  — Understanding
  — Communication
  — Trust
• How to Read a Horse’s Emotional State Core Ethical Guidelines in Working With Horses
• How to Read a Horse’s Emotional State Core Ethical Guidelines in Working With Horses
• How Do Horses Process Information?
• What Should Counselors Know About Natural Horsemanship?
• How Can Understanding Horsenality Help Facilitate Positive Sessions?
• Other Tidbits of Information and Advice

SECTION THREE: Techniques that Address Trauma

Reclaiming Boundaries Through Equine Assisted Counseling
Vallerie E. Coleman

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description— Overview
  — Boundaries and Communication
  — My Space—Individual Version (Within the Group)
  — My Space—Group Version
• Case Example
• Summary
• Appendix A. Communication Styles Handout
• Appendix B. Depiction of Three Basic Styles
• References

Animal Assisted Group Interventions for the Treatment of Trauma
Molly DePrekel and Kay Neznik

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description— Training and Preparation
  — Group Rules
  — Body Awareness Techniques
  — Expressive Art Technique
  — Working in the Moment
  — Closure
• Application
• References

The Magic Room
Joy Nussen

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
  — Meaningful Questions to Ask
• Application
• References

Safe Touch Using Horses to Teach Sexually Abused Clients to Value Their Bodies and Themselves
Tracie Faa-Thompson

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
  — Materials
  — Treatment Goals
• Case Study
• Application
• References

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Trauma
Molly DePrekel

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
• Case Examples
• Application
• Summary
• Resources
• References

SECTION FOUR: Techniques that Explore Anxiety and Depression

Healing Through Horses: Equine Assisted Counseling — No Place to Hide
Judith S. Schneider

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
• Case Study
• Application
• References

Therapeutic Trail Riding for Children and Adults With ADHD and Anxiety Disorders
Judy Weston-Thompson

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
  — Creating a Safe Therapeutic Environment
  — Trail Ride Components
• Application
• References

Exposed Anxiety With Equine Assisted Counseling
Steven B. Eller

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
  — The Anxiety Brainstorm
  — Rating Scale
  — Safe Zones
  — Treatment Team
  — Case Study
• Application
• Conclusion
• References

The Tellington Method™: A Technique for Equine Assisted Counseling
Tanya Welsch

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
  — Touch Ground Exercises
• Application
• References

Conflict Resolution: The Crosswalk
Janet Nicholas

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
  — Items Needed for This Exercise
• Case Study
• Application
• References

SECTION FIVE: Techniques that Speak to Atypical Behaviors

Heart-to-Heart Rainbow: An Imagery Experience to Facilitate Relationship Development
Pamela Jeffers, Erin Lucas, and Kristina Houser

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
• Inner Relationship and Self-Awareness
• Relationship With the Horse
• Relationship With Others
• Application
• References

You Gotta Crack a Few Eggs
Tracie Faa-Thompson

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
  — Processing Questions
  — Equipment Needed
• Application
• Reference

Treatment of Autism and Attachment With Interpersonal Equine Therapy
Sara D. Edwards

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
  — The IPET Model
  — Therapist Observation, Analysis, and Intervention of Horse-Human Social Interaction
• Therapeutic Intervention Using IPET for Sensory Processing
• Treatment Paradigms for Autistic and Attachment Dysfunction
  — Therapeutic Work With the Herd
  — Therapeutic Work With Individual Horse on Ground
  — Therapeutic Work With Individual Horse Riding
• Application
• References

SECTION SIX: Techniques that Focus on Social Skills and Communication

Out of the Starting Gate: A Practical First Approach to Equine Assisted Activities
Beverley Kane

• Introduction
• The Welcome Area
• Opening Ceremonies
• Horse Activities Overview
• Horse Activity Outline
  — Activity Type
  — Setup
  — Objective
  — Purpose
  — Metaphor
  — Procedure
  — Rules, Violations, and Consequence
  — Observations
  — Questions
  — Discussion
• Sample Exercise from Medicine and Horsemanship
  — Uninformed Consent “White Coat Syndrome” – Dealing With a Patient’s Fear
• Resources
• References

Equine Assisted Counseling With Deaf Families
Karen A. Tinsley and Holly Jedlicka

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
• Application
  — Parent-Child Role Reversal
  — Empowerment Issues
  — Ineffective Communication Patterns
  — “Cultural” Differences
  — Measurement Tools
  — Interpreters
  — Service Collaboration
• Resources
• References

Social Skills and Communication Shaped by Equine Baseball
Steven B. Eller

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Biological
• Equine Nature
• Human and Horse
• Social Skills
• Equine Activities
• Description
• Guidelines of How to Play Equine Baseball
• Case Study Observations and Insights
• Processing
• Application
• References

Life’s Obstacle Course
Deborah Goodwin-Bond

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
• Case Study
• Application

Is Labeling People Really Harmless? Using Equines to Explore Labeling Stigma
Kay Sudekum Trotter

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
  — Labels Used
  — Clinical Observations
  — Clinical Processing
• Acknowledgment
• References

The Use of Mythological Themes to Elicit Socially Appropriate Behavioral Skills
Deirdre Stanton, Blair McKissock, and Robert Dailey

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Why the Horse?
• Cognitive Functioning and EAC
• Emotional Functioning and EAC
• Description
  — Model Stages
  — Post-Journey
• Sample Activities
• Week 1: The Call
  — Background
  — The Set Up
  — Discussion
• Week 7: The Gate of Fear— Discussion
• Case Study
• Case Study Note
• Conclusion
• Application
• Acknowledgment
• References
• Contents

SECTION SEVEN: Techniques that Improve Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

Improvement of Self-Efficacy and Social Skills Through Participation in Great and Small, a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program
Patricia Westerman, Holly A. Hargreaves, Delores Westerman, and Melissa Verge

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description of First Case Study
• Description of Second Case Study
• Application
• References

Using Equine Assisted Counseling With Psychotherapists in a Group Setting
Judy Weston-Thompson

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
  — Overview
  — Human–Horse Relationship
  — Exercises
• Conclusion
• References

EASEL: Equine Assisted Social-Emotional Learning
Mari Louhi-Lehtiö

• Introduction
• Rationale
  — Social-Emotional Skills Cannot Be Taught but They Can Be Learned
  — Social-Emotional Skills Are Linked to Health
  — The Need for Powerful Experiences
  — Goals and the Theoretical Framework of EASEL Facilitation
  — Creating Optimal Milieu for Change and Personal Growth
  — The Chemistry of Bonding
  — EASEL Horsemanship
  — Free Play, Happiness, and Emotion Regulation
  — Equine Activities Are Short in Duration
• Description
  — The General Process for Clients
• Application
• References

Grounded Strategies That Improve Self-Efficacy
Mary Looman

• Introduction
• Rationale
  — Self-Efficacy
• Description
  — Treatment Outcome: Increase in Awareness
  — Treatment Outcome: Increase in Acceptance
  — Treatment Outcome: Increase in Accountability
  — Treatment Outcome: Increase in Assertiveness
  — Treatment Outcome: Increase Achievement
  — Treatment Outcome: Increase Admirability
• Summary
• Application
• Author’s Note
• References

Soft Eyes
Deborah Goodwin-Bond

• Introduction
• Rationale
• Description
• What Is Needed?
• Application

Index