What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is psychotherapy that incorporates the use of horses as a catalyst for human emotional growth and learning. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, EAP is considered a short-term, or brief , therapeutic approach. Horses are one of the most perceptive creatures on earth and have an amazing ability to provide immediate, honest, observable, and physical feedback. They are sensitive to nonverbal communication which provides valuable and visible feedback to the messages the client sends to them through body language. Horses are social beings capable of offering unconditional friendship . They also experience the same wide range of feelings and emotions that humans do, which can facilitate the development of insight into group roles and dynamics . Clients quickly learn that a horse is an honest partner who provides direct and immediate feedback, thus enabling the clients to learn about themselves and their behavioral patterns toward others in a relationship based setting. Enduring feelings, patterns, and behaviors that are evoked by relating to these dynamic and powerful living beings through this innovative treatment modality are processed and discussed by the client and the treatment team.
The Focus of EAP is on relationship, communication, and behavioral patterns. 90% of EAP takes place on the ground, where the client or group participates in an activity with the horses which requires them to apply certain skills. Communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, taking responsibility, teamwork, confidence and positive attitude are just some of the skills developed through the EAP process.
Every EAP session has three phases:
Through these phases the participant or group will
learn some safety strategies and a little information about horses.
They will then be given a task to complete with the horses and , finally,
discuss and process the entire experience with the team. The focus is to create insight, and to assist participants in learning
new skills in their non-equine world. The treatment team utilizes this
action based, hands-on approach to provide valuable learning and
growth experiences to individuals, families, and work groups,
offering benefits that traditional therapies can fall short of
providing. Clients DO NOT need to possess any
horsemanship skills, knowledge, or experience to participate in
any individual or group services. Prices are comparable to other mental
health treatment and is covered by most major insurance companies.
EAP Builds, Strengthens, and Improves:
With any given program or service, we provide the following unless otherwise specified:
*EAGALA: Equine Growth and Learning Association.
Prices:
For more information contact Carousel Live! LLC. at: