Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential treatment method that involves clients interacting with horses. EAP has been used to treat issues including ADD, abuse, depression, anxiety, drug abuse, eating disorders, and more. In an EAP session, a client will typically groom, feed or walk the horse while the therapist observes the clients' reactions to the horse's behavior. Therapists that utilize EAP often believe that horses provide instant and accurate feedback of a client's thoughts and feelings, which can help both the therapist and client become more aware of these emotions. Horses are nonjudgmental, which can help clients connect with another living being that accepts them – making it easier to learn to trust, and easing the path into having trusting relationships with other people. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s EAP specialists today.
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I've co-facilitated equine assisted psychotherapy sessions since 2010 as an equine professional and since 2023 as a clinician. I've received training from organizations including PATH International, EAGALA, Natural Lifemanship, and OK Corral. The equine assisted sessions lend an organically somatic and experiential lens to sessions that is immediate and relational. Especially for clients who would rather move and do than sit and talk, it can be a highly effective way to get "unstuck."
— Kristen Batchelor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Kannapolis, NC
Horses have been used for therapeutic purposes since the time of the ancient Greeks. The Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine," wrote about the therapeutic potential of horseback riding. Equine-assisted psychotherapy incorporates horses into the therapeutic process. People engage in activities such as grooming, feeding, and leading a horse while being supervised by a mental health professional.
— Missy (Michele) HALE, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Ocala, FLWith my team of rescue horses I aim to allow clients to engage with and enjoy horses in varying levels, from sitting and watching them from afar to brushing and walking them with consent. The focus is on relationship and trust building.
— Peggy K Zaloga, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Raleigh, NC
Horses are one of nature's most intuitive & empathetic animals. They can mirror an individual's emotions which makes them a great therapeutic assistance. Equine-Assisted-Psychotherapy (EAP) assists in emotional regulation, increasing cognitive skills, reducing stress & easing symptoms of PTSD, trauma as well as depression. EAP also assists individuals when it comes to destructive behavior, habits and relationship patterns. Come try EAP out with me today!
— Amina Tamachi, Counselor in Denver, CO
One of my main specialties is equine assisted therapy! It is my long time passion and I love partnering with our herd of amazing horses to promote healing of the mind, body, and soul. EAP is so helpful to explore both the relationships we have with others as well as the relationship we have with ourselves.
— Kelly Kennedy-Johnson, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Afton, MNI am an EAGALA-Certified Practitioner.
— Michele Bowerman, Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Candidate in Dallas, TX
I am currently in the process of certification in Natural Lifemanship EAP and help previous certification in EAGALA EAP. I have a lifetime of experience with horses and know firsthand their impact on our emotional states.
— Jill Horan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in WONDER LAKE, ILI offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy at a facility nearby.
— Eliina Belenkiy, M.Ed., LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Middleburg, VA
Horses are one of nature's most intuitive & empathetic animals. They can mirror an individual's emotions which makes them a great therapeutic assistance. Equine-Assisted-Psychotherapy (EAP) assists in emotional regulation, increasing cognitive skills, reducing stress & easing symptoms of PTSD, trauma as well as depression. EAP also assists individuals when it comes to destructive behavior, habits and relationship patterns. Come try EAP out with me today!
— Amina Tamachi, Counselor in Denver, COIn partnership with Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary, I bring client out to meet their new best fur friend. Through different exercises and skills, clients make incredible gains in finding calm and connection after a history of trauma and anxiety. All sessions are on the ground (no riding, sorry!) to support growth and connection. While I only schedule visits at the farm one day per week, clients beg to come for multiple sessions per week.
— Ginger Houghton, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Farmington Hills, MI
Our in-person therapists specialize in Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
— Adirondack Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, LCSW, Therapist in Fort Edward, NYHorses are HEALING! Come experience the transformative power of horses through our equine therapy program. With gentle, guided therapy, our horses provide a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to connect, heal, and rediscover their inner strength. Whether you're seeking personal growth, or emotional healing, our program helps foster deep connections that promote lasting change. Our horses offer a unique opportunity to overcome challenges, build confidence, and embrace the healing process.
— Christa Cavanaugh, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Lakeville, MA
Over the years I noticed that simply taking a cognitive-behavioral approach to treating my clients was not enough. The somatic symptoms persisted depending on their life experiences. I decided to listen to my own calming experiences with the horses, and integrated horses in my work ever since. They are intuitive, embodied, honest and present sentient beings that can be incredibly powerful in our healing. I am trained in Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy, equine-assisted EMDR and have three horses.
— Ioana Marcus, Licensed Professional Counselor in Great Falls, VA