This article offers an existential-integrative framework to working with anorexia nervosa within an equine-facilitated psychotherapy setting. The discussion provides an overview of how existential-integrative theories can be blended into equine-facilitated psychotherapy and offers an existentialintegrative perspective of anorexia nervosa. A case study illustrates the theories behind this blended approach in praxis. Keywords existential-integrative, equine-facilitated psychotherapy, anorexia nervosa An Existential-Integrative Framework Freedom is the perceived capacity for choice within the natural and selfimposed limitations of living. (Schneider, 2008, p. 35) Existential-integrative (EI) psychotherapy aims to alleviate the constraints that people feel bound to in their lives and calls attention to the choices available to them.

This article explores how the key concepts within Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy (GEP) and Humanistic Play Therapy (HPT) can be compatible modalities for working with children. The connections between GEP and HPT can be seen in their philosophical framework of viewing the self as an embodied, relational process, and the belief in the importance of play and experimentation within the therapeutic encounter. Both approaches emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship and trust that the child is able to self-direct his or her own growth and learning. Both GEP and HPT can draw from neuroscience research to provide evidence of the importance of authenticity, congruence, and coherence within both the therapist and the child in building the therapeutic relationship. Through the use of a case example, this article will demonstrate how HPT and GEP can become an integrated approach in supporting the developmental process of the client.

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