EAP – Equine Assisted Psychotherapy:
AN ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL PSYCHOTHERAPY.
EAP (EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY) is a form of experiential therapy where the participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses. Horses in EAP are used for growth, learning, and healing. Through these experiential activities, we help our clients improve their self-esteem, build confidence, work on their social communication skills, better their relationships and gain better social awareness.
EAP is facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, an ES ( a certified horse specialist), and a team of very intuitive equine partners (horses), in a very private, safe, and non-threatening environment. Participants learn about themselves and their relationships with others by partaking in these activities with the horses. Then, observations, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are discussed. The emphasis is on “learning by doing”, rather than just talking about problems.
Horses provide the opportunity to mirror life and make one’s issues visible and tangible. Once the client can see this problem/behavior more objectively, they can make a positive change. After the change is made in the arena, the client can make his/her change in their lives and find a solution that will work for them.
EAP helps the client gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their world. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development issues such as: PTSD, trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, addictions and recovery, depression, physical, emotional and sexual abuse as well as autism, ADD/ADHD grief, attachment/boundary or relationship problem, anger management, and dealing with cancer/catastrophic illness diagnosis.
EAL – Equine Assisted Learning
This is ideal for children, adolescents, adults and groups seeking to develop the tools and strategies needed to make good choices. This is a way to experience the wonderful benefits of our programs for those not requiring psychotherapy.
EAL moves beyond intellectual awareness and allows clients to experience in a tangible way how their behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs impact themselves and others. Through structured group activities with horses, clients can reflect, discuss and journal. Participants have the opportunity to identify patterns, examine their behavior and move toward change.
ISSUES THAT CAN BE ADDRESSED INCLUDE:
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving skills in corporate, business or churches
- Cohesiveness
- Motivation
- Empathy
- Aggression
- Bullying
- Lack of respect
- Authority problems
- Cliques in schools
- Cohesiveness
- Prejudice
- Empathy
Corporate Training and Development through the EAL process: Experience very unique opportunities with our highly trained staff and horses to develop life skills, leadership, team building, and character development. We offer sessions that promote growth, increased creativity, and improve problem-solving and teamwork skills. We utilize the power of horses to generate opportunities for significant change in team performance, staff development, cooperation, communication, self-confidence, and leadership. Offer your group this unique learning experience to address difficult topics. Build a more cohesive, flexible and productive team.
HOW EAP and EAL ARE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER HORSE THERAPY PROGRAMS:
We provide mental health treatment, personal growth, and educational services as opposed to physical therapy or hypnotherapy. No riding is involved, and there are no horse skills necessary to participate. Our activities are 100% on the ground and clients interact with our horses through unique experiential activities.