EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups. It combines the skills of an Equine Specialist Professional and a licensed Mental Health Professional to create an environment that fosters emotional growth and learning.

It is an experiential Gestalt therapy; participants learn about themselves and others by engaging in activities assigned by the horse professional and then discussing feelings, behaviors, and patterns with the licensed therapist. The technique has been compared to ropes courses used in residential treatment centers, wilderness programs, and boarding schools. EAP is unique because it incorporates another living, thinking, feeling being thereby challenging participants to deal with life outside of themselves.

In order for a program to be considered Equine Assisted Psychotherapy a licensed clinical professional must be involved. EAP does not focus on riding or horsemanship. The participants are not required or even encouraged to have any experience with horses or an affinity for horses. EAP centers on ground activities with the horses which require the client and/or group to apply certain skills.

Angela Tanner, horse professional, brings over fifteen years of horsemanship experience. She is EAGALA Part 1 trained. Dr. Steve Carreras, LICSW, is EAGALA certified.

EAP can be employed to develop non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking, problem-solving, leadership, taking responsibility, teamwork, relationship building, confidence, and positive attitude.

EAP addresses:

• Behavioral issues
• ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
• substance abuse
• eating disorders
• abuse issues
• depression
• anxiety
• relationship problems
• communication needs