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 The interest in working with horses was due to his qualities as living being with a clean mental, relatively simple, soft and warm, rewarding and socially responsive, and capable of carrying, and not judging non-intrusive, able to accept the projections, ability to dialogue on an archaic, worthy of interest and care. These qualities do not make the horse a therapist, but it is able to open new opportunities for the therapist.
On the phsycological plan
- The initial contact awakens the sensations ( affective), taking into immediate consideration his existence
- The movement allows the patient to become aware of the horses schemata
- There is a phsychological revalorization when the patient takes control of the horse
- Birth of identification. Absolutly necessary for the rider to become aware of "the other"
- Security ensured thru the rythm of the horses steps
- Normal long drawn out theraputic procedures for those with more serious character problems, will benefit immediatly
On the relatability plan
Authenticity of the relationship (horse-rider). The animal will not lie or cheat, nor is there any artificial sense of SELF ( very constructive for those whose issues stem back to unstable family relationships) The horse is either in a state of tension (need) = insecurity, or in a state of rest = security.
- Relationship without judgement, the horse is accepting without conditions
- Responds immediatly
- Intermediate object in relation to "the other". This still allows the therapist to be the "proper purpose".
- Regressive type of therapy, using the basic needs (Winnicott).
- Symbol of strength ( secure image or opposite)
- Not forgetting the mythological or surreal (fantasy) image
 The theraputic environment again, encompasses all interaction and work with the horse (of a global nature) It is hoped that the progression and stabilization on the psychological level will: improve one's self image, gain confidence in one self, especially with reoccuring problems of confidence and self image issues because of the nature of the aggressions against them .
Ouside of the individual work with the horses, it is most definite that these young victims will find themselves having much in common with other patients; thus being able to share the same space as a small community to know that they are not alone being victims of sexual abuse.
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