Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an emerging field in which horses are used as a therapeutic tool for emotional growth and learning. EAP is a hands-on form of experiential, here-and-now therapy. It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist, a horse professional, the client, and the horse.

Participants learn about themselves by participating in activities with the horse, then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns that occur “in the moment” of their activities. The focus of EAP involves setting up activities involving the horses which require the client or group to learn and apply certain skills. These skills include nonverbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem solving, leadership, taking responsibility, teamwork, confidence, and attitude.

According to the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), “Horses are very sensitive to emotional states and have a unique ability to pick up on what people are feeling.” Horses have an amazing ability to respond to human body language cues. Horses require people to be present and engaged in the moment, both physically and mentally.

This environment provides feedback in all three channels: visual, kinesthetic, and auditory. Much of traditional talk therapy is rarely taught through all three channels. Many youths make unhealthy choices because they are not good auditory learners.

What EAP teaches youth on the autism spectrum

EAP is especially valuable to youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder because it teaches awareness of the environment, along with:

• Emotional awareness
• Appropriate affect
• Social cues
• Conversational skill
• Different types of relationships
• Expanded interests
• Anger management
• Change management

Youth with attachment issues are often able to risk attachment with a horse where it is too risky to try the same thing with a human. Once this attachment is successful with a horse, many youths are able to take the next step and begin to experiment with attachment to humans.

The only way to find success with a horse is to be assertive. That means the horse reinforces assertiveness and, conversely, that undesired traits of aggressiveness, passiveness, or passive-aggressiveness are not reinforced.

How sessions work

At times therapy will be conducted in a more traditional office environment. Therapy is conducted in individual, group, and family formats depending on the individual needs of our clients. Sessions are typically held once a week, but more or less frequent sessions will be conducted as needed.