Equine-assisted psychotherapy incorporates mental therapy models with interactions with horses. Equine therapy models have been associated with greater emotional-regulation, self-confidence, and responsibility. Horses offer the benefits of animal-support with some additional benefits based on their unique characteristics.
Horses respond to emotions and behavior of treatment participants and provide an unbiased and non-judgmental interaction. As keen observers, horses are highly sensitive to emotions and movement and may mirror the behavior of treatment participants, offering a sense of safety and predictability in the treatment environment. This mirroring behavior provides an opportunity for improved self-awareness as clients explore the behavior that is being reflected back to them in the horses’ responses.
Equine therapy provides unique opportunities for work with the following conditions:
- Agoraphobia
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Selective Mutism
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Specific Phobias
Some other potential benefits of equine therapy include increased:
- Adaptability
- Distress tolerance
- Emotional awareness
- Independence
- Impulse control
- Self-esteem
- Social awareness
- Social relationships
Please note: There are additional charges associated with equine-assisted models
Current equine-assisted programming includes:
Equilateral Equine-assisted EMDR (subject to availability)
Equine-assisted Dialectical Behavior Skills Group (this group is provided as part of a comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy model)
For more information on equine-assisted Dialectical Behavior Therapy, please contact Greenville DBT Collective at 864-501-4098