The potential of equine-assisted psychotherapy for treating trauma in Australian Aboriginal peoples

Journal article

Bennett, Bindi and Woodman, Elise Anne. (2019). The potential of equine-assisted psychotherapy for treating trauma in Australian Aboriginal peoples. The British Journal of Social Work. 49(4), pp. 1041-1058. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcz053
AuthorsBennett, Bindi and Woodman, Elise Anne
Abstract

Colonisation and subsequent policies targeting Aboriginal peoples in Australia have had devastating consequences, including trauma, disadvantage and marginalisation. These effects have passed from generation to generation and continue to manifest in poor health and well-being outcomes, particularly mental health disorders. Innovative and culturally relevant techniques are needed to remedy inequality and address intergenerational trauma. Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)—an experiential therapy involving horses—is a new and increasingly evidence-based treatment approach, which offers potential for working with Aboriginal peoples. This article reviews the literature on outcomes of EAP to consider its potential as a culturally responsive therapy to treat trauma and increase well-being for Aboriginal people in Australia.

KeywordsAboriginal; equine-assisted therapy; trauma; Australia; well-being
Year2019
JournalThe British Journal of Social Work
Journal citation49 (4), pp. 1041-1058
PublisherOxford University Press
ISSN0045-3102
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcz053
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85085090788
Page range1041-1058
Publisher's version
License
All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online09 Jul 2019
Publication process dates
Accepted01 Feb 2019
Deposited19 Oct 2022
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