Why Language Matters

How we communicate the services we provide makes a difference! Clear and concise language can help: 

• Resolve confusion and increase clarity of types of services

• Protect consumers

• Support reimbursement 

• Inform better policies

• Strengthen research 

Thankfully, a consensus-building process was initiated in 2018 that began addressing the terminology issues.

Initiated by PATH International, and funded by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the process involved a comprehensive literature review, practitioner survey, a terminology summit including fifteen representatives of sector leading organizations and stakeholders, and a working group putting all the information together.

This resulted in a peer-reviewed paper titled "Optimal Terminology for Services in the United States That Incorporate Horses to Benefit People: A Consensus Document," published in 2020 in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. You can read the paper here. 

Another beneficial paper followed authored by Nina Ekholm Fry with the Institute for Human-Animal Connection at the University of Denver, published in the Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin (2021) titled "Conceptualization of Psychotherapy Incorporating Equine Interactions in the United States." You can read this paper here. 

Recently in Sept. 2023, the American Psychological Association Human-Animal Interaction Section hosted an important webinar on this topic, discussing the above papers, presented by Nina Ekholm Fry and Lynn Thomas, titled "Horses in Therapy Services: Updates to Terminology and Concepts in the United States." 

Watch the free webinar recording below for you and your programs to stay current on the latest in clearly communicating the powerful services you provide incorporating horses. 

Resources to support optimal terminology.

PATH International, in collaboration with the terminology workgroup, has created wonderful flyers and checklists to support your program in clearly identifying your services for clients and stakeholders. There is also a helpful document for researchers. 

Did you know you can join the APA HAI section for free for educational resources?

Anyone is welcome to join the American Psychological Association Human-Animal Interaction Section! Click the button below to join, and access wonderful free webinars and resources incorporating animals in mental health services. 

Coming soon! 

Seen Through Horses Campaign 2024 Program Partner Applications

Keep an eye out in November for more information on the 2024 Seen Through Horses Campaign, and applications to be involved as a program partner! 

We look forward to collaborating together for the third annual campaign to amplify awareness and raise funding for the power of horses for mental health services, together! 

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