Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an effective therapeutic approach that has been shown to have a positive impact on individuals, families and groups. EAP is performed by a team (a licensed mental health therapist and a certified equine specialist) working with a horse or horses to provide experiential therapy for individuals or groups. During sessions, the therapist will ask clients to interact with the horse in a variety of ways – grooming, catching, leading, and involving the horse/horses in a prescribed activity. The therapist and equine specialist will observe the interaction and later discuss with the client what the horse’s reaction reveals about the client’s character.
These activities are according to the model established by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) who certifies horse professionals working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals. EAGALA is a non-profit organization developed to address the need for resources, education, and professionalism in the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
EAGALA strives to educate the public that EAP is more than horsemanship and riding classes. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy programs were developed to experientially incorporate horses into activities designed to promote emotional growth and learning. Experiential learning is learning through reflection on doing. At Spirit Lake, equine assisted psychotherapy participants are engaged intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and physically, holistically touching all aspects of the addiction model. Throughout the process, participants are encouraged to ask questions, solve problems, take responsibility and discover purpose in life situations.
The results of each session with the horses are particular to the client, and form the basis for future learning opportunities. By accomplishing tasks with the horse, confidence is created, which can carry over to other aspects of life. Relationships and accountability evolve and are nurtured; self to self, self to others, and self to the world in general.
