The field of clinical psychology is vast and diverse. Over the years, mental health treatment has evolved in many forms, based on patient needs and responses. This expanded the field to treatment of arts, sciences and everything in between. A common area that has developed over the years is that of animal psychotherapy. This summer I worked with a psychological clinic called ECS Psychological specializing in equine-assisted psychotherapy and opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of the therapy and its effectiveness in relieving trauma in veterans and children of all ages. This research ended up being the focus of my internship and after spending days at the horse farm with the clinicians, I discovered a whole world of psychotherapy that I didn't know existed before my time there. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay During this internship, I was exposed to the nature of trauma patients, particularly the scars they leave on people of all ages. Brain imaging techniques such as functional MRI have also supported this hypothesis by providing evidence that traumatic experiences alter particular functions and developments in the brain, including the amygdala, corpus callosum, cerebellum, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Additionally, constant stress in a trauma victim leads to high levels of triggers in the limbic system, affecting the person's entire muscular and skeletal system (Baker et al., 201; Bourne Mackay and Holmes 2013). Due to the complexity of this condition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration collaborated with the National Center for Trauma Informed Care and Alternatives to Seclusion and Restraint to compile a list of "Six Key Principles of a Trauma-Informed Approach » to create a consistent approach to treatment. These principles include safety, trustworthiness and transparency, peer support, collaboration and mutual aid, empowerment, voice and choice as well as sensitivity to cultural, historical and gender issues (Frei, Rynearson -Moody, Christy and Clark, 2012). Using this list, it is anticipated that various forms of treatments can be developed to treat trauma. Among them is psychotherapy. The field of psychotherapy primarily revolves around the relationship between therapist and client. The expected outcome of treatment is to help the patient overcome demoralization and heal it with a sense of hope. Additionally, treatment provides for the establishment of strong pillars of social and emotional support which, in turn, will strengthen self-esteem and independent coping skills (Frank and Frank 1991). This alliance itself fosters a collaborative nature that will eventually lead to attachment, an essential component of treatment. Attachment resulting from strong emotional bonds is at the very heart of healing and is generally one of the goals of psychotherapy (Haugaard 1994). A specific form of psychotherapy that focuses on attachment is animal-assisted psychotherapy. Previous research has shown that relationships with animals such as dogs and cats have had positive effects on conditions such as depression (Odendaal 2000), blood pressure (Katcher et al. 1983), and coronary heart disease ( Friedmann et al 1980). More recently, animal psychotherapy on a larger scale has emerged,called hippotherapy. Hippotherapy, also known as equine-assisted psychotherapy, uses horses for therapeutic purposes because animals possess valuable traits such as patience, cooperation, and a high level of self-awareness (Hayes 2015) . Due to their distinct personalities and hierarchical structures mirroring those of human families or workplaces, they are often accessible to patients who seek support and treatment through therapeutic riding programs involving grooming and riding horses. Previous research indicates that driving provides grounds for patients to socialize and be exposed to physical contact with an animal, leading to the development of a relationship that is in some ways deeper than a human bond, establishing rapport , intimacy and collaboration (Edgette 1996). Following further research by Yorke, Adams and Coady 2008, this relationship develops in two main areas: personal and socio-emotional. Personal levels of treatment include promoting feelings of intimacy and caring, resulting in mutual sympathy, trust, and compassion in the patient. Riders found horses were easier to work with because of their “tolerant, non-judgmental nature” found in humans. Additionally, riders reported that they were able to create stronger bonds through the exchange of physical affection with the horse, an act that cannot be ethically administered in human-client interactions (Yorke, Adams and Coady 2008). The socio-economic domain includes systematic, task-oriented goals that focus on rebuilding discipline, training, and trust in the patient, providing a sense of routine and consistency that is often lacking when 'a patient suffers trauma. The resulting goal-directed behavior further builds confidence and puts the patient in control of their own progress (Yorke, Adams, and Coady 2008). Overall, the impact of pet therapy has been lauded for decades, but the power of equine psychotherapy has only recently emerged and must be recognized to achieve what modern human-client therapy cannot. Equine-assisted psychotherapy has helped trauma victims of all ages. In examining its effectiveness with young people, a study conducted by Kemp et al. 2014 sought to observe the effects on children and young people who have suffered sexual abuse. It was hypothesized that participants would experience a significant reduction in trauma-related symptoms of depression and anxiety. The results supported this hypothesis by showing that children and adolescents showed significant improvement in their trauma symptoms (Kemp et al 2014). Similar results were seen in children with PTSD symptoms due to car accidents and natural disasters, with particularly large decreases in reported levels of anxiety and depression. A case study conducted by Johansen, Wang, and Binder observed a woman named Anna who suffered from social anxiety and depression due to PTSD. This case study highlighted how specific activities carried out during an equine psychotherapy session assisted in the treatment of this patient. The first objective of the session was to improve assertiveness and communication through body language. This was achieved by getting Anna to move the horse back and forth and sideways without any physical contact. At first the horse was uncooperative and.