EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY
Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) involves the use of a horse in the therapeutic process in order to assist clients in living more effectively. There is no ridden work and all sessions take place on the ground in interaction with horses. No prior equine knowledge is required to take part in EAP.
The therapeutic process involves the psychologist, an equine specialist and one or more horses. It is believed that clients approach the therapeutic activities and horses in much the same way that they approach relationships and life challenges. The therapist is then able to facilitate the client in finding more effective patterns of interaction and problem solving.
EAP has been found to be effective in addressing a number of presenting concerns with a wide range of ages, from children to adults, and has been seen to have the following benefits:
- The opportunity to practice new skills and transfer these back to life
- The involvement of all facets of the person to generate change
- Assisting clients in identifying and accessing their inner capabilities thus facilitating the assumption of self-responsibility for life experiences
- Providing a non-threatening and motivating learning environment
- Empowering clients through a sense of control
- Breaking down defence barriers
- Enhancing problem-solving skills
- Teaching empathy, responsibility and patience
- Building trust in relationships
- Stimulating creativity
- Decreasing feelings of hopelessness
- Improving the client’s self-concept
- Increasing the client’s internal locus of control
- Conveying lessons on an emotional level
- Promoting change from dysfunctional patterns to successful ones
The benefits to participants are immediate and measurable and show more functional and productive relationships as well as dramatic increases in learned skills and confidence. EAP can be used for individuals, couples, families, therapeutic groups and corporate groups(team-building).