Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
By Suzanne Carter, LPC
ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPIES HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR A LONG TIME
Therapy dogs have been in use for years working with people in nursing homes and hospitals as well as serving as companions for individuals with special needs. Equine Therapy, was developed in the early 1990’s, thereby bringing the horse into the field of animal therapies. What makes the horse so special is their sensitivity and willingness to interact with humans. If horses are not in their herd, they are instinctively motivated to pay attention to what the humans are doing in their presence.
EQUINE THERAPY IS EXPERIENTIAL
The theory behind Equine Therapy is that the normal defenses and barriers which might hamper many forms of conventional therapy dissolve in the straightforward, nonverbal interaction with horses. A trained Equine therapist works with the emotional response evoked by the animal-human interaction. Unlike prolonged therapies, core issues quickly rise to the surface to be resolved.
For example, fear, an appropriate response to a 1000 pound animal, presents an experiential opportunity to learn effective ways to maintain safety, set personal boundaries and be assertive. Under the guidance of the therapist, the client experiments with ways to deal with the fear. The way the horse responds directly and clearly to the client’s actions provides instant feedback about what works and what doesn’t. What results is a therapy in which the client can immediately experience the benefits of making changes.
BENEFITS OF EQUINE THERAPY
The insights gained through this work translate into practical life skills. Clients may gain greater self-confidence, improve their creative thinking and problem solving skills, enhance their understanding of personal responsibility and increase self-awareness.
Equine Therapy addresses a variety of mental health and human development concerns including behavioral issues, substance abuse, eating disorders, emotional and sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, relationships and communication. Each session is specifically designed to suit the client’s needs. There are many activities possible, and the sessions can accommodate one individual, a couple, family or group. No prior experience with horses is required. The focus of Equine Therapy is not riding or horsemanship.
