What
Is Equine Therapy?
Equine-assisted
psychotherapy (EAP) incorporates horses into the therapeutic process.
Clients engage in activities such as grooming, feeding, and leading
the horse while being supervised by a
Licensed Professional Therapist and an equine specialist. The goal is
to connect the client with the horse to address treatment
goals. Equine assisted therapy is considered potentially
short-term, intensive approach to reach the desired therapeutic
goals.
Benefits
Equine-assisted
psychotherapy is used with a variety of populations. Experiential
in nature, clients learn about themselves and interactions with
others through activities with the horse in discussion of their
feelings, behaviors and patterns as they relate to the horse. EAP
embraces the tactile and emotional advantages of the horse, who are
vibrant and majestic living beings.
IS EAP a Good Fit?
EAP
can benefit children, teens, and adults process through experiences
and challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD,
and more; especially if the client finds it difficult to open-up and
discuss painful emotions. Equine-assisted psychotherapy can work on
issues such as:
- Assertiveness
- Confidence
- Developing and maintaining relationships
- Emotional awareness
- Empathy
- Impulse control
- Problem-solving skills
- Social skills
- Trust in others
- Trust in self