The Accessibility Of Migrants To Equine-Assisted Therapy for Trauma Treatment Associated With PTSD

This master's thesis explores the accessibility of equine-assisted therapy as a trauma treatment for migrants suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Migrants, particularly those who have fled conflict zones, often face not only psychological challenges but also barriers related to language, culture, and religion (Lindström & Eriksson, 2006; Mæland, 2021). Equine-assisted therapy presents a unique approach that transcends these barriers. Unlike traditional therapeutic methods, the horse serves as a non-judgmental companion, offering emotional safety and warmth (White-Lewis, 2019). This non-verbal relationship allows PTSD patients to engage and express emotions in ways that verbal communication may hinder, providing a form of support that can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle to articulate their experiences (Stergiou et al., 2017).

To examine the effectiveness and accessibility of equine-assisted therapy, a qualitative research design will be employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews guided by a carefully constructed interview template (Kvale & Brinkmann, 2015; Patton, 2015). This research will focus on the experiences of various stakeholders, including employees at institutions, treatment centers, private practitioners, and patients receiving therapy for PTSD, whether or not they have participated in equine-assisted therapy. Understanding the availability and perceptions of this therapeutic approach is critical, as the onset of therapy can significantly impact a migrant's long-term mental health (Antonovsky, 1996; Badin et al., 2022).

The interview guide will be meticulously designed to avoid language barriers that could impede communication, ensuring that participants feel comfortable and able to express themselves fully (Folkehelseinstituttet, 2023; Schmidt et al., 2022). This study aims to shed light on the unique needs of migrants who have experienced the trauma of war and displacement, and to highlight the potential of horses as effective facilitators of healing (Erbaş et al., 2024; Baun et al., 2006; White et al., 2017).