Equine Assisted

PsychotherapySenior Project by Naomi Israel

My OutlineThesis: Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is an alternate form of psychotherapy that uses horses. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is beneficial in helping children learn important skills to live successful lives.

My Research Paper:

• Horses and humans• Mental and physical disabilities in children• About Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

ProductMentorSuccesses and ChallengesConclusion

Topic #1Horses

• Prey:-sense fear- acceptance• Large Stature:-demand respect-allow relationship building• Responsibility

• Predator:-respected• Fear of horses• Want control-demanding• Acceptance-relationship building

Picture of Richard Knapp: Horse Sense of the Carolinas trains Arabian Mare

Humans

Topic #2

• Anxiety Disorders: 13% of children 9-19-Panic Disorder, Over Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)• Mood Disorders: most common among mental disabilities-Depression, Mania, sometimes both-caused by a chemical imbalance• Disruptive Disorders: most complex and hindering-Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), and Autism

Mental Disabilities

Topic #2Physical Disabilities

• Physically Handicapped:Extremely devestating disability

-Blindness, Deafness, degenerative diseases-often develop other mental disorders• Chronic Illnesses

lifelong complications-asthma, cystic fiberosis, diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, AIDS-hospitalization and daily treatments

Topic #3Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

• Equine’s were first used in Europe during the 1960’s.

-1969 NARHA recognized that equines can be used for therapy.

-1999 EAGALA was formed• EAGALA

-2005 Provided the first set of standards for EAP• Growth of EAP

-Research is being conducted for the first time on EAP.

Product

Product

Video• http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQodonI_USs&list=PL7E2E181689D2B749

MentorsShannon Knapp Eleni Dines

• Shannon Knapp is the owner of Horse Sense of the Carolina’s. She is a licensed Equine Specialist.

• My interview was with Shannon and she taught me about the EAGALA Model.

• Eleni Dines was my other mentor for my senior project. She helped me develop my product and taught me about how the farm is ran.

• My 15 service hours were conducted with Eleni.

ReflectionSuccesses Challenges

• I chose an unusual topic that I was interested in.

• I fully understand my product and I now have a clear view of was EAP involves and how it is helpful to someone in need of therapy.

• I faced challenges in my project in getting all of my mentor hours.

• I contacted several different Equine Specialist that didn’t return my calls.

• Gathering information on EAP was difficult because there isn't a lot of scientific research on EAP.

• I faced challenges in uploading my pictures to my website.

Equine Assisted

PsychotherapySenior Project by

Naomi Israel