Equine therapy is a form of experiential therapy that involves interactions between clients and horses. Many people involved with equine therapy say that horses seem to have an affinity for healing effects on folks. Fun and enjoyment can come out of working with horses.
Activities are very hands on, and participants don't feel they are involved in a therapy session. The horses are large and often intimidating creatures, which allows participants to gain trust with the animal and build confidence. The horse gives you immediate feedback about your own actions and body language through mirroring. If you are tense and nervous, the horse will mirror this feeling. You learn to act and react.
Equine therapy has been successfully integrated into treatment programs for adults and teens who are being treated for substance abuse, addiction, behavior disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, learning differences, ADD/ADHD, autism, Asperger's, grief/loss, trauma, sex addiction, compulsive gambling, bipolar, depression and related conditions.
Equine Therapy involves activities (such as grooming, feeding, haltering and leading a horse) that are supervised by a mental health professional, often with the support of a horse professional.
Both during the activity, and after the patient has finished working with the horse, the equine therapist can observe and interact with the patient to identify behavior patterns and process thoughts and emotions.
The goal of equine therapy is to help the patient develop needed skills and attributes, such as accountability, responsibility, self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and self-control. Equine therapy also provides an innovative milieu in which the therapist and the patient can identify and address a range of emotional and behavioral challenges.
Studies have indicated that equine therapy has been successful in helping clients show marked improvements in the following areas:
Many of the benefits of equine therapy are likely due to the nature of the animals with which the patient and equine therapist are interacting. Horses are typically non-judgmental, have no preconceived expectations or motives, and are highly effective at mirroring attitudes, behaviors and emotions of the humans with whom they are working. Click here to learn more about how horses can help heal humans.
If you would like more information, please contact us and let us help you get started on your journey.
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