Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy

Grounding & Relaxation Practices

The focus of this group includes both psycho-education and experiential clinical therapy interventions related to issues of relationship, intimacy, and trust through Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP).

In the psycho-educational portion of the group, clients are given information on relationships and dysfunction in building relationships as they relate to issues of trauma and addiction. Clients will focus specifically on issues of secure/insecure attachment, the brain and relationships, and the nature of EFP as it relates to relationship issues in real-time. The EFP practice consists of grounding and relaxation practices and working to solve simple tasks with equine partners. In turn, the client learns how to address boundary issues, to calm assertiveness, and to combat stress and emphasize trust in relationships.

EFP is a proven therapeutic tool in addiction recovery. By nature, horses are particularly sensitive to changes in a human’s emotional state, and are extremely perceptive of interactions. If a client is nervous, the horse will respond appropriately to this, providing both the therapist and the individual with greater insight into their emotions throughout recovery.

A certified member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, our Equine Therapist has nearly 20 years of experience with equines. Through the practice of EFP, she guides clients in their relationships with equines, providing them with necessary tools to create coping strategies. As they immerse themselves in EFP, clients gain a renewed understanding of self, with their equine partners leading the way.