Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

... (EAP) is an emerging field. It is an experiential modality using horses, dynamic living beings, that provide us with the opportunity to learn about ourselves and communication, respect, relationships, assertiveness, responsibility, goals, honesty, self esteem and self respect.

Horses have an amazing ability to heal and teach. They are highly intelligent and intuitive creatures whose social structure closely resembles ours. Intensely sensitive to non-verbal stimulus, horses provide immediate, honest and observable feedback in response to our interactions with them. This honesty makes them astute therapeutic guides and provides insight into both group dynamics and the individual roles we play in our daily lives.

The EAGALA model of EAP is not about riding or horsemanship. Ground based activities are set up in which the individual or group will apply certain skills such as problem solving, creative thinking, leadership, work, teamwork, non-verbal communication and assertiveness. The focus of the therapeutic team (mental health professional and horse specialist) is the process vs. the goal of the activity.

The therapeutic model of EAP is useful as an adjunct to traditional, talk therapy. It is a brief approach that has been proven successful in addressing a variety of mental health issues including: behavioral problems, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship problems, assertiveness and communication, at risk youth and women's empowerment.

A typical session would involve one or more activities with horses, as appropriate for the group or individual, followed by some discussion about feelings, behaviors and patterns. Safety, for both horses and humans, is a constant focus. No riding is involved and no prior horse knowledge, experience, special equipment or clothing is required.

EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association
www.EAGALA.org