Equine-Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy: Healing Through Horses

"In this book Dr. Sheade provides a comprehensive and practical presentation of equine-assisted counseling. She delineates important constructs of the horse-human relationship and thoroughly explains how relational approaches with equines are effective interventions for human client healing and recovery. Among the many topics covered she includes examination of theoretical approaches, descriptions of counseling strategies and techniques, and discussions of research, ethics, and practice logistics. I highly recommend this book to any current or aspiring practitioner of equine-assisted counseling." — Cynthia K. Chandler, EdD, author of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling "Equine-Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy is a comprehensive practitioner’s guide that covers foundational basics and evidence-based strategies for intentionality and effectiveness in equine-assisted interventions. Sheade covers essential, species-specific knowledge about equines that all equine practitioners must know and includes crucial aspects of safety and welfare for the humans and animals involved. Further, readers will find an in-depth discussion of the elements of a successful human-animal relationship required for all professionals integrating animals into human healthcare or social service professions. It is a natural follow-up to Chandler’s Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling for those interested in developing the equine-specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes after mastering the competencies required for providers working with all species of animals. I look forward to incorporating this text into my own courses on animal-assisted interventions in counseling." — Leslie A. Stewart, PhD, LPC, associate professor in the Department of Counseling at Idaho State University "In this book Dr. Sheade provides a comprehensive and practical presentation of equine-assisted counseling. She delineates important constructs of the horse-human relationship and thoroughly explains how relational approaches with equines are effective interventions for human client healing and recovery. Among the many topics covered she includes examination of theoretical approaches, descriptions of counseling strategies and techniques, and discussions of research, ethics, and practice logistics. I highly recommend this book to any current or aspiring practitioner of equine-assisted counseling." — Cynthia K. Chandler, EdD, author of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling "Equine-Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy is a comprehensive practitioner’s guide that covers foundational basics and evidence-based strategies for intentionality and effectiveness in equine-assisted interventions. Sheade covers essential, species-specific knowledge about equines that all equine practitioners must know and includes crucial aspects of safety and welfare for the humans and animals involved. Further, readers will find an in-depth discussion of the elements of a successful human-animal relationship required for all professionals integrating animals into human healthcare or social service professions. It is a natural follow-up to Chandler’s Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling for those interested in developing the equine-specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes after mastering the competencies required for providers working with all species of animals. I look forward to incorporating this text into my own courses on animal-assisted interventions in counseling." — Leslie A. Stewart, PhD, LPC, associate professor in the Department of Counseling at Idaho State University