Equine Therapy

Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, is an innovative counseling approach that utilizes horses as partners for emotional growth and learning. This type of therapy has been shown to be effective for individuals of all ages struggling with a wide range of mental health issues. By providing a fresh perspective and experiential learning, equine therapy helps individuals gain insights into themselves, build coping skills, and work through mental health challenges.

The Key Principles of Equine Therapy

Equine therapy has been found to be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. The presence of horses in the therapy sessions creates a unique and powerful therapeutic environment that can help clients develop improved emotional well-being, build confidence, tolerate distress, regulate emotion, and practice mindfulness skills.

  • Self Reflection

    Horses are highly social animals and acutely sensitive to human emotions and body language. This sensitivity allows horses to mirror human emotions and behaviours, giving immediate feedback to the clients and therapists. This helps us gain meaningful insights into how their words, actions, and emotions influence their relationships.

  • Develop Confidence

    Caring for horses and participating in horse-related activities helps build confidence, resilience, discipline, determination, and self-acceptance in clients. The experience of learning to understand and connect with such large animals can be profoundly transformational.

  • Emotional Healing

    The relationship formed between the client and the horse can lead to emotional healing. Caring for horses helps build empathy, compassion, and nurturing skills in clients. The unconditional love, non-judgemental nature and deep affection from horses can be an incredibly powerful influence in a person’s life.

  • Therapeutic Space

    The natural setting and rhythm of a stable environment helps clients relax and open up. The casual, interactive atmosphere during therapy sessions helps clients feel more at ease to share and work through challenging thoughts and emotions.

How Does It Work?

During equine therapy sessions, clients engage in various activities with horses such as observing, grooming, and leading. These activities provide opportunities to build trust, connection, and improve communication. Horses, being highly intuitive animals, can mirror human emotions and behaviours, making them effective partners in the therapeutic process. The non-judgmental nature of horses allows clients to feel accepted and supported, leading to increased self-awareness and personal growth. Additionally, the physical aspects of working with horses can promote relaxation, reduce stress levels, and enhance overall mental health.

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy involves observing and interacting with horses under the guidance of a registered psychologist who is also trained as an Equine Mental Health Professional with a Canadian certifying organization (Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness). Individual therapy sessions involve 1:1 time with the psychologist and horse using DBT Skills and CBT strategies. Workshops and groups are limited to four participants and are facilitated by registered psychologists also using evidence-based therapies.

Who Benefits From Equine Therapy?

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is suitable for teens and adults. It can benefit individuals with struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma. It provides the opportunity for individuals looking to enhance coping skills through mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.