EFPL Research
HEAL supports research on the efficacy and the science of EFP. The integrity of our field depends on our ability to articulate who is helped, under what conditions and with what kind of EFP or EFL intervention. There is a lot a magic in EFP, but there is also a lot of science and a lot that we are still learning about how to most effectively apply EFP with diverse client situations.
Since 2006, HEAL has sponsored research authored by Leigh Shambo, MSW, LPCC (with Seely and Vonderfecht) and Randy Zasloff, MA (2010 HEAL Facilitator Graduate). This research investigates the efficacy of EFP in the treatment of chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Scientific:
A Pilot Study on Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy for Trauma-Related Disorders
Citation – Shambo L., Seely S. K., Vonderfecht H., (2010) A Pilot Study on Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy for Trauma-Related Disorders, Scientific and Educational Journal of Therapeutic Riding 2010 ISSN 1174-6238
Narrative:
Thesis by Randy Zasloff, MS of Finding Flow Counseling, LLC:
Leigh Shambo, MSW, LPCC
Leigh Shambo is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and is widely recognized for authoring HEAL-sponsored research on Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and is regularly invited to teach and facilitate throughout the US, Canada and Europe.
Formerly a professional horse trainer, Leigh discovered that the horses could be teachers in their own right when tragedy required her to face a journey of emotional healing.