Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) and Well-Being: Exploring the Experiences of UK Military Veterans Using a Dialogical Narrative Approach

Despite experiencing high rates of mental health and social difficulties, veterans face a range of internal and external barriers to accessing psychological therapy. Equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) is a relatively new intervention, which a growing evidence base suggests can be effective, particularly for those who find it difficult to engage in traditional psychotherapies. EFP is underpinned by principles of psychodynamic psychotherapy, as well as theories regarding attachment, biophilia, and social support. Research on EFP with veterans is limited, with only a handful of studies, almost all of which have been conducted in North America. This first UK study explores veterans’ narratives of mental health difficulties and their experiences of EFP, using well-being to frame the shared experiences. Interviews were conducted with five veterans (three female, two male) who had received EFP. The analytical approach employed was dialogical narrative analysis. Themes identified across participant stories included relating to the horse, insight, self-regulation, focus of attention, a safe environment, personal relatedness, and empowerment. Dialogical questions elucidated how aspects of the veteran identity and cultural narratives contributed to the stories chosen. The findings provide significant insight into the EFP experiences of veterans, which were resoundingly positive. Well-being may be improved through the development of meaningful relationships with horses, facilitators, and peers, adaptive coping mechanisms, and a renewed sense of self and optimism. Future research directions are suggested, and clinical implications such as the impact of the environment, as well as the role of peer support for veterans’ mental health services, are considered.