Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
“Relationships are the vehicle for change.”
- The Natural Lifemanship Institute
EAP is a particular model of psychotherapy which involves horses or equines in the treatment. As stated by The Natural Lifemanship Institute, “Horses are powerful partners because they are capable of engaging in healthy, genuine connection, relationship, and partnership. This relationship can be profoundly deeper than words.”
If an individual has trouble feeling safe in human relationships, that individual might feel safer connecting with a horse initially. This feeling of safety in relationship, once established by a human and a horse, can then be transferred to other relationships, leading to more positive connections overall.
There are many different models of EAP. Healing and Hope Reins utilizes an approach called Natural Lifemanship (NL). The most foundational principle of NL is that healing occurs in the context of genuine relationship. Informed by both Neurobiology and Attachment Theory, there is great emphasis on trauma-informed care, the development of healthy relationships, and brain science, such as finding rhythm for regulation.
EAP is offered by a team: a licensed mental health practitioner, an Equine Professional, and of course, the horse.
It is important to note that Healing and Hope Reins uses groundwork only to provide EAP services. There is NO riding component involved. There is also no need for prior horse experience to attend a session. Please note that closed toe shoes are a MUST if you choose to participate in EAP sessions, regardless of weather!
If you are interested in EAP, please reach out to schedule a 15-minute consultation to determine whether or not EAP services are appropriate for you or your child.
We truly look forward to connecting with you!
A horse is NOT:
- A tool for our healing, an object, a mirror, or a metaphor
- A flawless magical creature capable of divine intervention
- A therapist
- A human
A horse IS:
- A herd animal who depends on interconnected and complex relationships
- A mammal who craves connection and authenticity (just like us!)
- A highly sensitive creature who relies on ongoing, subtle, and embodied communication
- A sentient being, an individual, with their own wants, needs, and histories— including their own wounds to heal
The above bullet points were adapted from The Natural Lifemanship Institute website. Further information can be found at: https://naturallifemanship.com/