What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a form of experiential therapy that involves interactions between clients and horses on the ground, no riding is involved. A session consists of activities with one or more horses in collaboration with our team which includes one of our psychotherapists and Leah Alsbro, our equine specialist. Both during the activity and after the client has finished working with the horse, our team will observe and interact with the client in order to identify behavior patterns and process thoughts and emotions.
What are the Benefits of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Studies have indicated that equine therapy has been successful in helping clients show marked improvements in the following areas: assertiveness, emotional awareness, empathy, stress tolerance, impulse control, flexibility, problem-solving skills and interpersonal relationships.
Many of the benefits of equine therapy are likely due to the nature of horses. They are typically non-judgmental, have no preconceived expectations or motives, and are highly effective at mirroring attitudes and behaviors of the humans with whom they are working.
While working with horses under the guidance and supervision of our treatment team, equine therapy clients have a unique and effective opportunity to note their tendency to engage in self-defeating and otherwise negative thoughts and actions. These realizations provide excellent bases for discussion and processing both during and after the equine therapy experience.
What Conditions/Disorders Does Equine Therapy Treat?
Equine assisted psychotherapy therapy has been successfully used to treat mood disorders, substance abuse, addictions, behavior disorders, eating disorders, learning differences, ADD/ADHD, autism, Asperger’s, grief/loss, and trauma.
Where does the therapy take place?
We work in collaboration with Leah Alsbro at Forest Meadow Ranch in Berrien Springs. For more information on her facility, go to www.ForestMeadowRanch.com