Abstract
M. Psych. (Educational Psychology)
The high child sexual abuse rate in South Africa and all over the world makes
these cases a reality for educational psychologists practising today. Equineassisted
psychotherapy is a relatively new field in psychology, and research
shows that this therapeutic intervention can have a very significant impact on
people. Sexual abuse leaves children with psychological effects (Beitchman, Zucker,
Hood, DaCosta & Akman, 1991) ranging from intrapersonal problems such as
low self-esteem and feeling emotionally overwhelmed to interpersonal problems
resulting in communication and relationship challenges (Mandrell, 2006).
According to Kidson (2012), equine-assisted therapy deals very well with such
issues as well as self-concept, self-efficacy and self-acceptance. These issues
correlate well with the effects of child sexual abuse and the issues that the
therapist needs to deal with in the therapeutic sessions (Conte & Scheumann,
2011). Seeing the possibilities that equine-assisted therapy held for a therapist
working with a case of sexual abuse, I inquired in terms of the involved systemic
influences and experiences.
The study investigated the experiences of the therapist, the client and the
parents when using equine-assisted psychotherapy in a case of sexual abuse.
The study attempted to identify themes that could explain these experiences and
maybe make a contribution to the field of equine-assisted psychotherapy,
specifically pertaining to work with sexual abuse cases.
I made use of a phenomenological, qualitative case study design to explore the
experiences of the participants. The data collection methods included interviews,
field notes and observations. Artefacts were used to aid the researcher in the
observation process but also to help the researcher explain the findings in
Chapter 4. Furthermore, creative expressive arts therapy tools were used in the
interviews to assist the participants in expressing their experiences regarding the
equine-assisted therapy process.
Data was analysed using the phenomenological data analysis process. This
process is al about “being true to the phenomenon”. The first step in this
research was to transcribe the interview recordings. Using the transcribed text,
the field notes and the observations, the researcher then identified units of
general meaning. Out of the units of general meanings, themes were identified.
In the findings, three themes were identified: equine-assisted therapy, an
empowering life changing experience; the extent to which active engagement
with horses assist in expressing emotions; and the equine-assisted therapy
process and therapeutic experience.
The limitations and strengths of the research were also explained and discussed.
Subsequently, recommendations were made for possible future research that
evolved from the study’s findings.