Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential treatment method that involves clients interacting with horses. EAP has been used to treat issues including ADD, abuse, depression, anxiety, drug abuse, eating disorders, and more. In an EAP session, a client will typically groom, feed or walk the horse while the therapist observes the clients' reactions to the horse's behavior. Therapists that utilize EAP often believe that horses provide instant and accurate feedback of a client's thoughts and feelings, which can help both the therapist and client become more aware of these emotions. Horses are nonjudgmental, which can help clients connect with another living being that accepts them – making it easier to learn to trust, and easing the path into having trusting relationships with other people. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s EAP specialists today.
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I've co-facilitated equine assisted psychotherapy sessions since 2010 as an equine professional and since 2023 as a clinician. I've received training from organizations including PATH International, EAGALA, Natural Lifemanship, and OK Corral. The equine assisted sessions lend an organically somatic and experiential lens to sessions that is immediate and relational. Especially for clients who would rather move and do than sit and talk, it can be a highly effective way to get "unstuck."
— Kristen Batchelor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Kannapolis, NC
Horses have been used for therapeutic purposes since the time of the ancient Greeks. The Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine," wrote about the therapeutic potential of horseback riding. Equine-assisted psychotherapy incorporates horses into the therapeutic process. People engage in activities such as grooming, feeding, and leading a horse while being supervised by a mental health professional.
— Missy (Michele) HALE, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Ocala, FL
I utilize trauma focused equine assisted psychotherapy in conjunction with other modalities with my clients.
— Lauren Ellis Robinson, Therapist in MEMPHIS, TNEAGALA OkCorral Natural Lifemanship Level 1 trained HERD Institute
— Sara Rietsch, Licensed Professional Counselor in , MI
Utilizing horses in the therapy session allows for a unique way to address internal feelings and communication. The horse(s) joins the session in a way that fits the specific needs of each client, whether it is building self-esteem, working through anger issues or developing healthier communication skills.
— kazmiera miller, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Attica, NYI am a certified EAP Mental Health Professional with EAGALA
— Margot Charkow-Ross, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Elk Grove, CA
I am a certified equine assisted therapist. I have been practicing these methods since 2012.
— Melissa Hatcher, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Southlake, TXI am an EAGALA-Certified Practitioner.
— Michele Bowerman, Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Candidate in Dallas, TX
I am now offering equine assisted therapy in West Chester, PA!
— Lynn Green, Clinical Social Worker in King of Prussia, PAIn partnership with Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary, I bring client out to meet their new best fur friend. Through different exercises and skills, clients make incredible gains in finding calm and connection after a history of trauma and anxiety. All sessions are on the ground (no riding, sorry!) to support growth and connection. While I only schedule visits at the farm one day per week, clients beg to come for multiple sessions per week.
— Ginger Houghton, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Farmington Hills, MI