Innovative equine therapy introduced in Glasgow

A secure hospital in Glasgow has introduced a new form of psychiatric therapy; the therapy encourages patients to interact with horses to help them learn about themselves and how to interact with others.

Surehaven Glasgow is a 21 bed secure hospital facility providing treatment for people living with mental health problems.

Consultant clinical psychologist, Dr Marie-Louise Holmes and learning and leadership expert, Ms Hannah Turrell have experience of working with horses and are qualified equine assisted psychotherapists. Both Dr Holmes and Ms Turrell have noticed positive changes in their patients benefiting from equine assist psychotherapy.

Dr Holmes said: “Many of our patients have severe trauma histories and find it very difficult to trust others. It can feel safer to connect and explore issues of trust with the horses and these experiences can form the vital first step to eventually rebuilding trust with people.

“Horses are also uniquely suited to this type of work. Firstly, due to their size and strength, some patients can find them intimidating and the challenge this presents requires a creative way of thinking that helps them reconsider the way they act – something they can apply to life in general.

“By connecting with the horses, it can help boost patient’s self-confidence and self-esteem. It also means they are less intimidated when struggling with a life issue that seems bigger than they are.”

Using animals for therapy is common practice as they have the ability to interpret human emotions and this has been recognised as being most noticeable in horses. Equine assisted psychotherapy can be used to treat different mental health problems, including anxiety, addiction, low self-confidence, trauma and anger problems.

Records show equine therapy has been used as far back as in ancient Greece, and began to be used in conjunction with physiotherapy in Austria, Germany and Switzerland during the 1950’s.

Dr Holmes added: “Over the past few decades this specialist treatment has become well-recognised for its ability to foster change in a patient by promoting emotional growth and learning.

“Horses are prey animals that live in herds and develop strong bonds with whoever leads them and therefore are ideal for this type of therapy.

“They can read body language, respond instantly and have an ability to mirror the thoughts and behaviours of others. So, if a patient appears negative and defensive, the chances are the horse will not want to interact either. But it will respond more positively to someone who is calm and confident.”

Sessions involve the patients working with a therapist and horse specialist in the presence of the horse, leading the horse through a series of obstacles with or without the use of a lead. Practicing these activities can help patients to understand complications in their own lives that may have led to them facing mental health problems.

Surehaven Glasgow is operated by Shaw healthcare providing care and support to people living in residential homes, hospitals, supported living accommodation and extra care housing.

Dr Holmes said: “We are proud to provide such an innovative method of treatment at Surehaven, which is helping to boost self-esteem and confidence in those who need it the most.”