Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an
emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning.EAP is
a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional. Because of
its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term, or "brief"
approach.
EAP is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and
others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing)
feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This approach has been compared to the ropes courses
used by therapists, treatment facilities, and human development courses around the world.
But EAP has the added advantage of utilizing horses, dynamic and powerful living beings.
Not all programs or individuals who use horses practice Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. For
one, licensed clinical professionals need to be involved for it to be considered
"psychotherapy". The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship. In fact, 90% of
EAP takes place purely on the ground. The focus of EAP involves setting up activities
involving the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills.
Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving,
leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and
attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP.
EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on
individuals, youth, families, and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and
human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance
abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and
communication needs.
Why Horses?
Those who are familiar with horses recognize and understand the power of horses to
influence people in incredibly powerful ways. Developing relationships, training,
horsemanship instruction, and caring for the horses naturally affects the people involved
in a positive manner.
The benefits of work ethic, responsibility, assertivness, communication, and healthy
relationships has long been recognized. Horses naturally provide these benefits. The use
of horses is growing and gaining popularity with the rise of new approaches in working
with the horses, including the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
We are often asked, "Why horses? Why not other animals?"
Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome
fear and develop confidence. The size and power of the horse are naturally intimidating to
many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates
confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and
challenging situations in life.
Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals. They have defined roles
within their herds. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct
personalities, attitudes, and moods. An approach that seems to work with one horse, does
not necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant. They like to
have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning.
Using metaphors, in discussion or activity, is an effective technique when working with
even the most challenging individuals or groups.
Horses require work, whether in caring for them or working with them. In an era when
immediate gratification and the "easy way" are the norm, horses require people
to be engaged in physical and mental work to be successful, a valuable characteristic in
all aspects of life.
Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is
telling them. Many people will complain, "The horse is stubborn. The horse doesn't
like me," etc. But the lesson to be learned is that if they change themselves, the
horses respond differently. Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful
messengers. For further information about our credentialing, please visit the EAGALA
page at www.eagala.org
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