J & K Ranch Kennels

 

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential method of therapy that is facilitated by a mental health professional AND a horse professional that requires the client or client group to accomplish a task involving the use of a horse(s). EAP is an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning.  Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is an effective way to observe people as they function in real life situations.  Completion of the presented task usually produces meaningful metaphors and analogies useful for the therapeutic process.  Sessions take place in a confidential, pastoral setting.

 

Activities involving a horse require people to be physically and mentally engaged.  Also, being social animals, they are sensitive to non-verbal communication. They are perceptive, and require clear communication and an appropriate response from the client.  Horses function in the present and are excellent judges of mental focus and attitude.  Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror our mental perspective.

 

For the client, EAP gives them insight into themselves through their behavior patterns, self-esteem, values, attitudes, roles in life, acceptance of responsibility, communication skills, leadership ability, problem solving skills, and creative thinking ability.  EAP also provides clients an opportunity to discover their own best solutions to life challenges. In addition, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy can be fun!

 

For the mental health professional, EAP provides an opportunity to observe and assess the client or clients in a “real life” situation, including the client’s patterns of behavior, use of teamwork, human and animal relationships, communication, attitudes, acceptance of responsibility for themselves and the animals, problem solving skills, leadership, and use of creative thinking. It provides the mental health professional an opportunity to identify specific treatment goals, objectives and interventions. Additionally, EAP many times provides that significant experiential breakthrough for the client that is needed to achieve specific their treatment goals and objectives.

 

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy has been used successfully as part of a treatment plan for many mental health challenges with Individuals, Families, Couples, Groups, and Corporate Teamwork, including:   Addictions Alcohol Abuse Anger Anxiety Behavior Problems Communication Depression Domestic Violence Drug Abuse Eating Disorders Family Issues Grief and Loss Relationship Issues Sexual Abuse Substance Abuse

 

	$140.00 / hour for individual
	$210.00 / hour for family or group
	As agreed for corporate teamwork group

For additional information on Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, please go to www.EAGALA.org.