Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), is, as the name suggests, therapy that features interactions with horses. EAP is facilitated by a Mental Health Professional and an Equine Specialist. All EAP is done through ground work and there is no riding of horses. EAP instead focuses on caring for and working with horses to achieve goals similar to those of traditional psychotherapy.
What can be treated with equine therapy?
Equine therapy can treat a variety of concerns and a variety of populations. The list below is not exhaustive.
- Trauma and PTSD
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Eating disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Behavioral concerns
A recent article in Psychology Today discusses a number of ways people benefit from EAP:
Increased trust
Reduced anxiety
Less feeling of depression and isolation
Increased self-esteem, self-acceptance, and social skills
Better impulse control
Increased problem-solving skills
Improved communication skills, including non-verbal
Better understanding of healthy boundaries and the importance of assertiveness
Learn to get outside own negative, self-absorbed thoughts and nurture another creature
Horse Etiquette
- Wear something that feels comfortable to you and dress to fit the weather.
- Do not stand directly in front or behind a horse. Approach from the front or side to let them know you are not a threat.
- All of our work will be ground based which means no riding.
Why horses?
Horse are very They provide non-judgmental, true feedback in real time.
Horses are known to mirror our emotions or fears. As we are able to recognize or identifying what emotions a horse may be exhibiting, we may be able to better connect with our own emotions.
Horses are excellent communicators if you learn to read their language. Learning how to read a horses communication style can also help you to better create healthy relationships with others and better understand boundaries. They can also help you learn more about trust.
What will our sessions look like?
First, you will call to set up an intake appointment. During this call you will be given instructions for your intake session.
You will be sent paperwork to complete prior to your session or we ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your first session to complete this paperwork.
Prior to meeting with the horse, you will sit down with your providers to give more background into why you are seeking equine assisted-psychotherapy and what some of your goals for therapy are.
Once you arrive at the barn, the session will be held with a licensed mental health professional and an equine specialist. We will introduce you to the horses and teach you more about horse etiquette and horse language.
After your first appointment, sessions will focus on ground work with the horse.
Horses are excellent communicators if you learn to read their language. Learning how to read a horses communication style can also help you to better create healthy relationships with others and better understand boundaries. They can also help you learn more about trust.
If you are interested in learning more or scheduling an introductory call, please contact us
(414) 522-8242
Call (414) 522-8242 to speak to any of our office staff to learn more or schedule an appointment.
*PLEASE NOTE: We do not bill insurance for equine therapy, it is out-of-pocket only.
“We must therefore be willing to get shaken up, to submit ourselves to the dark blossomings of chaos, in order to reap the blessings of growth.”