Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential form of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) that uses horses as partners in mental health counseling. I often get asked "why horses?" The answer is simple. Horses have evolved as partners with our human ancestors over thousands of years. They are non-predatory, intelligent, and in-tune to their environment and emotions. Horses can see panoramically almost 360 degrees. Their view of the world and their environment is largely in the present. They can provide in the moment biofeedback moving closer or moving away based on reading the intentions and physiological responses of the humans and other animals nearby, a skill that has kept them alive and safe from predators for millennia.

EAP sessions are experiential, meaning it does not rely solely on a person's ability to verbally process their challenges, emotions and experiences. It offers an in-vivo environment for exploring new ways of reacting, thinking, and responding. As we all know, our verbal processing ability is only one way in which we understand our worlds and our experiences are directly linked to how we learn, grow, and change. The roots of our equine-human partnership run deep. The symbiotic nature of this ancient relationship is powerful, transformative, and healing.

Research studies supports the use of EAP with a variety of clinical challenges such as:

• Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms
• Anxiety, depression, anger
• Dissociation
• Building self-efficacy and self-esteem building
• Social skills building and engagement
• Engaging resistant clients who may not want to do office-based or talk therapy

EAP sessions are delivered in individual, group, family, couple and corporate team-building formats.