Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
May 21st 2007 04:04
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), also know as Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is the professional field in which one or more equines (horses, ponies, donkeys, burros, or mules) are incorporated into activities that promote emotional growth.
This type of therapy teaches people about themselves, allows recognition of dysfunctional patterns of behavior, and helps define healthy relationships. Horses are typically non-judgmental and have no expectations or motives. This type of therapy is very helpful with clients with limited verbal skills or who are uncomfortable communicating in a traditional therapeutic office setting. Patients can “be real” with themselves and the animal without the perceived fear of rejection. The horse assists in making patients aware of their emotional state as the horse responds in reaction to their behavior. Through working with the horse, patients can gain insight into their feelings, behaviors, patterns, congruency, boundaries, and stumbling blocks to recovery.
Equine-Assisted Therapy occurs in a group setting with a maximum of eight participants, facilitated by a certified Equine-Assisted Therapist and a trained professional therapist. The process involves establishing a relationship with a horse on the ground and then evolves into the nurturing of that relationship, which may or may not culminate in actual riding in a contained area. Activities in the process include 'joining up' with the horse, grooming, or vaulting, and other group exercises.
Through interaction between the horse and the patient, the trained professionals ask questions based upon what is being revealed through the 'relationship.' Individuals may receive one-on-one focus within the group setting. At the closing of the session, patients are provided time to process the experience with the therapists and integrate the insights into their treatment plan.
For more information contact The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association please visit Link
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Comment by Kylar
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
EAP has proven very successful especially for extremely traumatized or nonverbal clients. It would not work for me however as I am extremely allergic to horses!
Thanks for visiting the new blog!
Mis
Comment by katyzzz
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MS Paint Art
katyzzz
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
They have also used equine programs for children and adolescents with handicapping conditions to assist with coordination, focus, and language. Thanks for the comment.
Mis
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Sounds great. I've heard of therapies involving animals. As you say, they're quite successful, especially for patients who have trouble communicating verbally.
I could imagine that horses would work wonderfully for this kind of therapy.
Very cool
Kylie
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I think that horses have quite an innate sense of their riders.... "horse sense.." Wish that humans had more of it....
Mis
Comment by Ash
Flashes of memories
I saw this on '28 Days' with Sandra Bullock as part of addicts recovery therapy.... such a good concept. I like therapy like this... teaching you something useful....
ash
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I know that equine therapy has been used successfully with children with disabilities also.
Mis