Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy & Learning
Equine-assisted psychotherapy is an evidence-based complementary treatment that incorporates interactions with horses. It’s a collaboration between the participant, therapist, and equine specialist.
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This form of therapy can be used to treat a number of mental health and medical conditions.
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Activities like grooming, petting, and other recreational group and individual activities are often combined with techniques from talk therapy to unpack your emotions and thinking patterns with less inhibition.
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Horses can provide a safe space where participants can explore their anxiety, traumas, and fears without feeling overwhelmed or judged. Horses also provide the opportunity to practice problem-solving- and social skills. They can even help with harmful attachment styles.
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If you’re interested in participating in equine-based psychotherapy, you can speak to a mental health professional to consider whether it would be helpful for you.
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Trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions can be overwhelming. You don’t have to face them alone. You can be supported by your fellow humans — and supportive animals, too.
How It Works
&
What To Expect
Equine-assisted psychotherapy can consist of interacting and connecting with horses by:
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grooming and petting the horse
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leading the horse to designated areas
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feeding the horse
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recreational and goal-oriented activities, either individually or in a group
According to researchers, the most standardized approach by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) focuses on unmounted, on-the-ground activities, which do not usually include horse riding.
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Horses are usually unsaddled and free to move closer or farther away from the client — and vice versa. This self-distancing approach allows for the modeling of boundaries and connections we would see in human-to-human interactions.
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Equine therapists help provide safety training and observations about the behavior of horses. Licensed therapists also ensure that the experience is safe, both physically and emotionally, for the participant.
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Therapists may also incorporate cognitive-behavioral techniques that allow clients to talk more freely about their emotions or anxiety without feeling constrained. For example, suppose a horse appears to exhibit certain emotions. In that case, clients may be able to point to these emotions as a way to talk about their own and reframe existing cognitive distortions.
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Sessions may also follow the SPUD framework by the EAGALA, which stands for shifts, patterns, unique aspects and discrepancies.
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SPUD is a framework of reflective listening and observation that captures the behaviors, activities, and movements of both the client and the horse. In the technique, a therapist may:
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ask you questions
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make observational statements to you
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invite you to tell your story, if you’re comfortable
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This type of low-pressure environment allows participants to open up should they choose to do so.
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Why Does Equine-Assisted Therapy Work?
While research on equine-assisted psychotherapy is limited as it’s an emerging treatment, what existing research Trusted Source suggests is that equine-assisted therapy and other animal-assisted psychotherapies may work because they:
Benefits & Limitations of
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Benefits
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Greater confidence, self-awareness and social skills. Equine-based psychotherapy as well as other animal-assisted psychotherapy can build confidence and social skills by:
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promoting communication of emotions
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modeling boundaries
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promoting social connection,
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fostering empathy and nurturance
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Reductions in anxiety, fear, depression and social isolation. This form of therapy can help with symptoms of trauma such as hypervigilance and social isolation. As participants learn to express themselves in a safe space they might break through roadblocks experienced in traditional therapy.
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Ability to express emotions without fear. Equine-based psychotherapy opens up an avenue where clients don’t have to directly talk about their traumas or fears in order to communicate their emotions.
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Mutually beneficial. Research Trusted Source indicates that not only do humans benefit physiologically from contact with animals, but contact with humans can also benefit the endocrine functioning in animals, managing their stress response and sympathetic nervous system as well. It’s a win-win situation for all.
Limitations
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Costs and accessibility. Accessibility to equine-based therapy may be limited by the high costs and geographic availability.
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The welfare of both animals and humans must be carefully considered. There needs to be great care taken to ensure that animals who are traumatized, fearful, or avoidant aren’t further exploited in equine-assisted psychotherapy.
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Some animals may have behavioral conditions or may be easily scared themselves.
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Animals used in therapies should regularly receive a behavioral evaluation and a physical exam by a licensed veterinarian to ensure that animals are not adversely affected.
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The effectiveness of this therapy as a stand-alone treatment is not assured. There isn’t enough research yet to use equine-based therapy as a stand-alone treatment, though there’s evidence for its efficacy as a complementary treatment. Your personal psychotherapy should be maintained.
To start your therapy journey
Contact Us Today
Welcome to Horses Healing Humans, where healing begins with the gentle power of equine-assisted therapy. Discover a unique approach to emotional well-being and personal growth through our specialized programs. Our dedicated team is ready to guide you on this transformative journey. Contact us today to start your equine-assisted therapy and experience the profound connection between humans and horses. Let the healing hoofprints pave the way to a brighter tomorrow.