25.12.2013 Views

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY ...

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY ...

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

psychotherapy (EFP or EAP) utilizes mounted and unmounted sessions “…provided by a trained<br />

and licensed mental health professional, holding a current degree such as Master of Social Work,<br />

Master in Counseling, or Doctor of Psychology or M.D. This professional is also a trained,<br />

licensed riding instructor” (Moreau & McDaniel, p. 2).<br />

1.4 Theoretical Underpinnings<br />

Because EFP is just emerging as a viable adjunct to traditional psychotherapeutic<br />

techniques, the theoretical foundation of why and how it works are still in the early stages of<br />

formulation (Roberts, Bradberry & Williams, 2004). In addition to the lack of a standardized<br />

terminology in the broad field of equine-assisted activities, the lack of a clear theoretical<br />

framework is problematic and contributes to a continuing sense of disorganization, although<br />

conceptualizations for a theoretical basis for the effectiveness of therapy involving equines in<br />

beginning to emerge. Equine-facilitated psychotherapy has been gathering attention in the<br />

therapeutic community, and questions about the effectiveness of this approach to therapy are<br />

mounting.<br />

1.4.1 Biophilia<br />

As early as 700 BCE, the Greek Hesiod recommended in his Works and Days the serene<br />

and structured life at the farm as an antidote to the stress of life in the city (Katcher &<br />

Wilkins,1998). Frederick Law Olmstead, the designer of Central Park in New York, wrote about<br />

his intuitive conviction that natural settings could promote recovery from stress and increase<br />

mental functioning (Ulrich, 1993). Recommendations of a retreat to the country remained a<br />

common suggestion to remedy the ill effects of the stress inherent in living in urban environments<br />

until the 1970’s (Biery, 1985; Netting, Wilson & New, 1987); Unfortunately, the formerly common<br />

prescription of a retreat to the farm and work with farm animals faded from fashion before it could<br />

be rigorously evaluated as a treatment for stress.<br />

Because clinical problems generally are conceptualized as involving difficulties in the<br />

social and not the natural environment, clinicians have not typically addressed clients’<br />

relationships to the natural environment (Besthorn & Saleeby, 2003). However, a resurgence of<br />

13

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!