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.
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, NCHorses 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, NCI have worked with horses for over 35 years and incorporating them in therapy is my passion. I have been trained in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in multiple modalities including the Human Equine Relational Development (HERD) institute, The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH). I teach this subject at the university level and have presented at many conferences over the years.
— Chris Goodall, Clinical Social Worker in Chesterland, OHEAP incorporates the mighty, empathic, and spiritual presence of horses into psychotherapy. Horses outwardly mirror what we feel inside in a way that is nonjudgmental, sensitive, and pure. They bond with us nonverbally in a special relationship that leaves many feeling profoundly seen and understood. I worked with youth survivors at a horse ranch and rescue for over 6 years before completing 3 years of clinical internship at an Equine Assisted Therapy program for youth in crisis.
— Rory Valentine Diller, M.A., LMFT, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Cruz, CAEquine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) / Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) -Accepting new clients for EAP beginning March 1, 2023
— Ashti Dawson, Licensed Master of Social Work in Springfield, ILMy equine practice is located at the beautiful Wildsong Ranch in Longmont. This is a wonderfully supportive modality for those who prefer working in the environment and being surrounded by nature.
— Gillian Pierce, Psychotherapist in Longmont, COPorter's House Inc. is excited to be working in collaboration with Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center, located in Bristol, to offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to our clients! EAP is the combined use of horses, a licensed therapist, and an equine specialist to support clients in making progress towards individual treatment goals. The client's relationship with the horse can be utilized as a tool to mirror real-life experiences and to explore patterns in their own relationships.
— Christie Caneschi, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Waterbury, CTI am a certified EAGALA mental health specialist and am also trained in Natural Lifemanship.
— Ashley Garcia, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sherwood, ORI am an EAGALA-Certified Practitioner.
— Michele Bowerman, Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Candidate in Dallas, TXI am a certified EAP Mental Health Professional with EAGALA
— Margot Charkow-Ross, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Elk Grove, CAEquine Assisted Life Coaching holds a variety of opportunities in connecting with your inner child, your inner playfulness and innocence, increasing your own self awareness, and learning to enhance your communication in relationships. Equine is a great therapeutic activity for those who have low self esteem, have relationship issues, have difficulty communicating how they are feeling, have been engaging in substance use, or are interested in connecting to animals and nature as a coping skill.
— Angela Shankman, Therapist in Agoura Hills, CAOur in-person therapists specialize in Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
— Adirondack Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, LCSW, Therapist in Fort Edward, NY