Equine Art Therapy: A Relational Approach

by Katrina Williamson

This thesis explores the therapeutic value of integrating the practices of equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) and art therapy. The findings indicate the scope of this integration as a relational therapy. The researcher uses a phenomenological research method to gather data from both her personal “equine art therapy” experience, and a three-part workshop that was planned by her self and co-facilitator, Michelle Seminoff. The researcher’s own experience informed the planning of these workshops, in which three participants attended three equine art therapy sessions. These sessions are described phenomenologically, and the participants gave written feedback to be used as data. Using a thematic highlighting approach, overarching themes are distilled that convey what it is about the integration of equine and art therapy that is of value. The findings offer that equine art therapy is a powerful therapeutic method, which empowers the clients in their own healing and allows for deep and personal processing. Equine art therapy requires trust from the facilitators, as the horses and the art can collaboratively hold the frame of the therapeutic experience. It is widely acknowledged amongst EAP practitioners that horses have many attributes that make them powerful therapeutic beings; this research finds that the creative process allows for the client to extend any insights gained with the horse. The art allows them to work with and integrate their experience whilst remaining in a personal and private place. The combination of the horses, the art, and the natural setting make for a powerful relational and healing experience, both with the self and the intricate natural world.