Can Animals Help Humans Heal? Animal-Assisted Interventions in Adolescent Mental Health
Sunday, March 28th, 2004
"The effectiveness of equine-facilitated therapy with at-risk adolescents:
A summary of empirical research across multiple centers and programs" Pamelyn M. MacDonald, Ph.D.
Abstract:
This presentation will focus on the results and outcomes of a three-year program evaluation of five different programs involving equine-facilitated therapy (EFT) and/or equine-facilitated learning (EFL). Both quantitative and qualitative results will be presented. A special, in-depth focus on a program designed for severely emotionally disturbed (SED) adolescents will be provided. Recommendations for future programs of EFT and EFL will be offered.
Bio:
Pamelyn MacDonald is currently an Assistant Professor at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. She earned a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Houston in 1998. Dr. MacDonald and her students have been researching the effectiveness of Equine-Facilitated Therapy and Learning programs for the past 4 ½ years. They have authored several articles and conference presentations on the subject. Dr. MacDonald can be reached at: pam.macdonald@washburn.edu.
