FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH
Equine Trauma Therapy
Kerulos is involved in various projects that explore how therapeutic methods used to support trauma recovery in humans might be helpful for other animals. Recovery begins when an individual is rescued from traumatic circumstances and provided with things often taken for granted when free but are forbidden to those in captivity-- loving touch, nutritious foods, and the ability to eat, socialize, and the ability to move and initiate whatever and whenever one wishes (what psychologists call agency). However, traumatology teaches that memories remain in body and in mind and that life can be renewed, but the past cannot not erased. There are gentle therapeutic approaches that can help an individual work through trauma’s legacy. One project includes the use of Bilateral Equine Tapping (BET) for horses.
Domesticated, and thereby "bicultural" (living between horse and co-evolved with human cultures, and totally dependent on humans for their care and survival), horses are typically separated from the herd, sold repeatedly, and abused, with the result that traumas become engrained and unaddressed. When an old memory from these experiences is coupled with anxiety, it may cause a re-experience or “flashback” to the old disturbance. There is no discharge, only the same response every time. Further, trauma can be readily transmitted from human to horse and horse to human. Trauma recovery in horses, therefore, relates to and is significantly dependent on the relationship between a horse and their human guardian.
BET was developed by psychoanalyst Vera Muller-Paisner (shown at right) to help horses work through trauma. It is based on a method that has had yielded positive results for humans, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Adapted for BET, EMDR is effective in reducing anxiety and stress stemming from a variety of traumatic stressors. Vera works with horses and their guardians as a system much like family systems rherapy where horse trauma recovery is accomplished through mutual transformation.
Project Updates and Reports
From Vera Muller-Paisner:
In a symposium held on October 10th,2009 at Mistover Farm in Pawling NY, I led a workshop on equine trauma recovery that showcased a case study of a Lusitano stallion. For years, I discussed, he had struggled with phobias associated with and stemming from an old traumatic memory. In particular, he showed a terrified avoidance reaction every time he was asked to either leave or re-enter his stall. This panic reaction was close to violent, sometimes resulting in his own injury or the person trying to walk with him. Examination of medical records, case notes, interviews, and observation suggested that his behavior and psychological state of near terror could be a type of re-experiencing of past trauma.
I showed a videotape of the horse's behavior to the workshop participants and the various stages of treatment that were introduced. Much like the horse client himself, audience tension built up when observing the horse's severe anxiety. Over a three week period, as the video documents, I administered Bilateral Equine Tapping (BET), a method similar to EMDR used on humans to address PTSD. To my surprise, the audience was participating as they watched the progress of his treatment speaking words of encouragement to him and praising him as his treatment progressed and he began to relax. Horse guardians watching the video were relieved to see a traumatized horse responding well and his anguish abate. Their personal experience with these horses was validated and they were reassured to see a new tool that would facilitate in the recovery of trauma that can haunt horses. The palpable empathy of people with the horse illustrates how we intuitively connect with other species, are sensitive to pain and fear in other species, and respond to animals much as we do with each other as humans. We might think of this as a trans-species example of "counter-transference" in psychology.
Support the horses.
Publications
Muller-Paisner, V. (2008) Letting Go of Fear, Learn how EMDR can help riders suffering from trauma. Dressage Today, December 2008.
Bradshaw, G.A. & D. Durham. 2007. Restoring natural balance: animal trauma and recovery. Natural Horse. April/May
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Equine Trauma Therapy
Domesticated, and thereby "bicultural" (living between horse and co-evolved with human cultures, and totally dependent on humans for their care and survival), horses are typically separated from the herd, sold repeatedly, and abused, with the result that traumas become engrained and unaddressed. When an old memory from these experiences is coupled with anxiety, it may cause a re-experience or “flashback” to the old disturbance. There is no discharge, only the same response every time. Further, trauma can be readily transmitted from human to horse and horse to human. Trauma recovery in horses, therefore, relates to and is significantly dependent on the relationship between a horse and their human guardian.
Project Updates and Reports
From Vera Muller-Paisner:
In a symposium held on October 10th,2009 at Mistover Farm in Pawling NY, I led a workshop on equine trauma recovery that showcased a case study of a Lusitano stallion. For years, I discussed, he had struggled with phobias associated with and stemming from an old traumatic memory. In particular, he showed a terrified avoidance reaction every time he was asked to either leave or re-enter his stall. This panic reaction was close to violent, sometimes resulting in his own injury or the person trying to walk with him. Examination of medical records, case notes, interviews, and observation suggested that his behavior and psychological state of near terror could be a type of re-experiencing of past trauma.
I showed a videotape of the horse's behavior to the workshop participants and the various stages of treatment that were introduced. Much like the horse client himself, audience tension built up when observing the horse's severe anxiety. Over a three week period, as the video documents, I administered Bilateral Equine Tapping (BET), a method similar to EMDR used on humans to address PTSD. To my surprise, the audience was participating as they watched the progress of his treatment speaking words of encouragement to him and praising him as his treatment progressed and he began to relax. Horse guardians watching the video were relieved to see a traumatized horse responding well and his anguish abate. Their personal experience with these horses was validated and they were reassured to see a new tool that would facilitate in the recovery of trauma that can haunt horses. The palpable empathy of people with the horse illustrates how we intuitively connect with other species, are sensitive to pain and fear in other species, and respond to animals much as we do with each other as humans. We might think of this as a trans-species example of "counter-transference" in psychology.
Support the horses.
Publications
Muller-Paisner, V. (2008) Letting Go of Fear, Learn how EMDR can help riders suffering from trauma. Dressage Today, December 2008.
Bradshaw, G.A. & D. Durham. 2007. Restoring natural balance: animal trauma and recovery. Natural Horse. April/May
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