Exploring Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy as an Intervention for Those Who Have Received a Diagnosis of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder
This research is exploring a new way to help women in a mental health hospital who have been diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD). The study is called Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), which involves working with horses as part of a therapy team. The hospital team wants to find fresh ways to support patients, especially those who might not have connected well with traditional talking therapies before. EAP brings together a mental health professional, a horse expert, and horses to help people. Interacting with horses can help patients understand and express their feelings, build trust, and learn to manage their emotions, which are all key challenges for people with EUPD. This study involves six sessions of horse therapy, and researchers will talk to participants afterwards to understand their experiences.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're in a mental health hospital, and the team there is always looking for new and helpful ways to support you, especially if you have a condition like Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD). EUPD can make it really hard to manage strong feelings, build trust, and cope with past difficult experiences.
This study, called 'Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy' (EAP), is exploring if working with horses can be a good way to help. It's not just about riding; it's about connecting with animals who are very sensitive to feelings. When you're with a horse, you don't always need to use words. This non-verbal interaction can help you explore your emotions and learn about yourself in a different way. Horses can help you feel safe and understood, which can be particularly helpful for building trust if you've had difficult experiences in the past.
The therapy team includes a mental health expert and a trained horse specialist, working alongside the horses. This study wants to understand if these sessions can genuinely help people with EUPD to feel better and gain better control over their emotions, especially if other kinds of therapy haven't quite clicked for them yet. They will talk to you about your experiences to understand what works and why.
Key takeaways
- It's a new study looking at how horses can help with emotional well-being.
- It's for women in hospital with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).
- You'll have six sessions working with horses, a therapist, and a horse expert.
- The aim is to help you manage your emotions and build trust.
- Your experiences will be discussed in an interview after the sessions.
- Taking part is completely voluntary and won't affect your care.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a female patient, aged between 18 and 65, currently staying on the specific ward for mental health care. You must have received a diagnosis of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).
Because the study involves patients who are under a specific part of the Mental Health Act (Section 3), it's important that you have permission for therapy leave (called Section 17 leave) from the hospital. The care team will also check to make sure you're able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part at the time of joining.
You cannot take part if the care team feels you can't properly agree to be in the study, or if you don't have the necessary therapy leave. Also, if you're due to leave the hospital before the study finishes, or if you've had this type of horse therapy before, you won't be able to join this particular research.
- Are you female and aged between 18 and 65?
- Are you currently an inpatient on the mental health ward?
- Have you been diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder?
- Does your care team agree you can take part and have the necessary leave?
- Have you *not* had horse therapy before?
- Will you be in hospital for the whole study period?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will have six therapy sessions involving horses. These sessions will be held over a period of time while you are still on the hospital ward. After you've completed all six sessions, a researcher will have a friendly chat with you in an interview to hear about your experiences and how you found the horse therapy. There are no drugs involved as part of this study. The total length of your involvement, from your first session to your interview, will depend on how the sessions are scheduled.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Cygnet Hospital KewstokeWeston-super-Mare, United Kingdom
Common questions
What exactly is 'Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder'?
It's a mental health condition that can make it very difficult to manage strong feelings, often leading to mood swings, problems with relationships, and sometimes impulsive behaviours.
What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?
EAP involves working with horses during therapy sessions. It's not about riding; it's about interacting with them to help you explore your emotions, build trust, and develop new coping skills.
Will I be alone with a horse?
No, you'll always be with a trained mental health professional and a qualified horse expert, making sure you are safe and supported during all interactions.
Does this replace my usual therapy?
This is an additional therapy being explored. It's meant to offer a different approach to support your overall care, not to replace other important treatments you're receiving.
Who will know I'm taking part?
Your participation in the study will be confidential. Your personal details will be protected, and the results of the study will be shared in a way that doesn't identify you specifically.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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