Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Coming Soon!!!!
EAP is the process of using horses as a tool to promote emotional growth. EAP is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and an equine specialist in which the goal is to generate a positive engagement with the client utilizing the horse. Clients learn about themselves and others by participating in structured activities with the horses, then processing their feelings, behaviors, and patterns. EAP essentially reveals insights through analogy and metaphor. By relating their experiences with the horses to other people and issues in their lives, each client can begin to examine their negative behaviors and understand how to change them into positive behaviors.
Benefits of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
- Breaks down defense barriers
- Challenges students in a non-threatening manner
- The horse is a non-judgmental, honest friend
- Promotes a motivating learning environment
- Builds the therapeutic relationship
- Enhances problem-solving skills
- Provides immediate cause-and-effect situations
- Decreases feelings of hopelessness
- Stimulates creativity
- Encourages responsibility
- Captivates and holds attention
- Helps teach empathy
- Empowers and gives a sense of control over self
- Develops social skills
- Teaches better communication skills
- Promotes both teamwork and individual leadership
