What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy? 

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy uses the connection between horse, human, and nature to provide a non-traditional therapeutic opportunity. The Equine Connection has developed out of my passion for animals and emotional healing options. Therapy sessions can be conducted with individuals, couples, and family members. 

Is Equine Psychotherapy Right for Me? 

Who Benefits? 

People of all ages can benefit from EAP. Some specific client challenges that can be addressed with Equine Psychotherapy include: 

behavioral issues, Attention Deficit Disorder, anger management, conflict resolution, relationship problems, couples therapy, depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse, eating disorders, at risk youth, victims of abuse, those in bereavement, those lacking self-esteem, people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, people who are unresponsive to traditional therapies, and people with other mental health challenges. 

What are Goals of Equine Therapy? 

Studies have indicated that equine therapy has been successful in helping patients show marked improvements in the following areas: 

• Assertiveness 
• Emotional awareness 
• Empathy 
• Stress tolerance 
• Communication 
• Impulse control 
• Problem-solving skills 
• Self-actualization 
• Independence 
• Self-esteem 
• Social responsibility 
• Interpersonal relationships and more 

No experience with horses necessary. Most of the experiential activities are conducted on the ground.

Why Horses?

Our emotions impact our physiology and horses can smell or sense those changes. The horse acts as a large biofeedback machine, providing the client and the therapist with information regarding the client’s moods. If a client arrives anxious the horse will act and respond one way. If the client is able to reduce his or her anxiety, the horse’s behaviors will also change. This provides a plethora of information and skill building opportunities for both the client and the therapist. (PATH, Intl, pathintl.org).