Trauma-Focused Equine-Assisted Therapy (TF-EAT) for Veterans With PTSD

In this pilot study the investigators will develop the EAT intervention and determine whether research methods (evaluation interviews, assessment measures, videotaping procedures) are acceptable to participants. Specifically, the investigators will focus on issues such as session length, appropriateness of the "content" for treatment of PTSD, ordering of session content, adherence to the manual of the equine therapeutic team (based on observations made during supervision and feedback from the consultants), and will detail logistics of data collection and how best to record the sessions (camera angles, etc.).

Inclusion criteria

• Between the ages of 18 and 70
• Current DSM-5 diagnosis of PTSD as determined by a) full criteria met on CAPS, and b) clinical assessment
• Able to give consent, fluent in English

Exclusion criteria

• History of psychiatric diagnosis of psychotic disorder, unstable bipolar disorder
• Elevated depression of clinical concern and/or score of >25 on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression
• At elevated risk for suicide based on history and current mental state
• History of substance/alcohol use disorder at severe level within the past six months, and current diagnosis of substance/alcohol use disorder at a moderate level within past two months
• Fear of horses or other large animals
• Orthopedic or other physical conditions and/or limitations that prevent people from walking unassisted and/or walking freely in the ring.