What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a team approach in which a licensed mental health professional, a certified equine specialist and specially trained horses work together to co-facilitate a therapeutic process. It is experiential and action based. The relationship between the horse and individual can support individual, couple, family and/or groups’ emotional growth, learning, and healing.
A variety of theoretical theories and practices are incorporated with EAP.
These include but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution- Focused Therapy, EMDR, art therapy and more.
What is Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)?
EAL refers to activities done with the horse geared toward experiential learning. EAL is typically offered to groups. The focus is typically focused on skill building versus therapeutic goals.
Why Horses?
- As prey animals, horses are constantly aware of everything (and everyone) in their environment. Therefore, horses have a high sense of ‘attunement’ in perceiving the authentic human feelings and experiences, even those that we ourselves may not consciously be aware of.
- Horses endless awareness allows individuals to become more present, mindful, and self-aware.
- Horses are inherently genuine and authentic- they provide authentic feedback based their interaction with ‘others’.
- Horses are non-judgmental and accept who we are as an individual.
- Horses provide clear boundaries and opportunities to look at patterns of communication (verbal and non verbal).
- In working with horses, trust and respect are key elements.
- Horses are social animals and therefore allow ample opportunities in learning about our ‘herd’/relational patterns and roles.
- Horses impact our Physiology. Research has shown being around horse’s changes human brainwave patterns. They can assist in regulating our nervous system.
Who benefits from EAP?
EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals (children-adults), families, and groups. EAP is utilized in working with and addressing a variety of challenges including (but by no means limited to) ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, addiction, low self worth, parenting and other relational/ social challenges.
Equine assisted counseling has the potential to benefit individuals in many ways:
* Develop more fulfilling and satisfying relationships with your friends, family, and significant others
* Take risks in practicing healthy relational, communication, and social skills
* Learn decision-making and personal responsibility * Improve self-esteem and overall life satisfaction
* Gain coping skills to meet a variety of life's challenges * Express yourself and assert your boundaries