Equine-Assisted Therapy

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), also known as horse therapy, is an immersive therapeutic practice that involves guided interactions between individuals and horses to foster emotional growth, self-awareness, healthy relationships and healing. This form of therapy can be used to address a wide range of issues, including mental health conditions, behavioural problems, developmental disorders, and physical disabilities. Equine-assisted therapy is facilitated by trained professionals who ensure the safety and well-being of both the participants and the horses.

Types of Equine-Assisted Therapy

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

This involves mental health professionals and equine specialists working together to help clients process and address psychological issues. This may include the exploration of root causes, triggers, and the development of coping skills. Activities are not limited to but may include grooming, feeding, walking, and leading the horse.

Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)

This focuses on educational skills and personal development goals. This learning process does not have to be facilitated by a registered psychotherapist and does not involve the treatment of mental health issues.

Who Can Benefit from EAP?

Children, teens, adults, couples, or families who have dealt with or are dealing with:

Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma
ADHD, difficulties with emotional regulation or anger
Eating disorders, body dysmorphia, or low self-esteem
BPD, self-harm, or individuals navigating difficult relationships
Self-sabotaging, co-dependency, or behavioral problems
Stress and burnout

Equine-Assisted Therapy is effective for many other conditions, both psychological and emotional. Contact us to explore whether it may be helpful for your needs or to meet your therapeutic goals.

Benefits of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Emotional Regulation and Growth

EAP helps clients recognize and regulate their emotions by observing and interacting with horses, who naturally mirror human feelings and behaviors. This can be especially beneficial for those struggling with emotional dysregulation by noticing and reflecting the non-verbal feedback provided by the horse. It has also been shown to improve self-esteem and self-confidence.

Enhanced Self-Awareness

Through activities with the horses, clients gain insights into their personal behaviors, triggers, and emotional responses, enhancing their self-awareness and personal growth. By exploring the horse’s response, clients can recognize suppressed emotions and energy that is being projected.

Building Trust and Connection

Horses are sensitive, social animals that respond to the authenticity of human emotions. Working with them can help clients learn to build trust and develop deeper connections, allowing for exploration of attachment patterns or difficulties. The techniques used exercise natural intuition, allowing for greater trust with oneself.

Mindfulness and Presence

EAP encourages clients to stay present in the moment, fostering mindfulness and grounding practices that can reduce the fight or flight response and improve mental clarity.

Body Awareness and Integration

EAP allows clients to connect with sensations in their body, promoting somatic awareness, connection, and integration to allow for physical and emotional healing.

Unique Non-Traditional Approach

EAP offers a hands-on, engaging experience that can be particularly effective for those who may not respond well to conventional talk therapy or feel they no longer benefit from talking alone.

Improved Social Skills

Group activities, interactions with Sunrise staff, and with other animals on the property help to enhance communication and social interaction skills.

Behavioral Improvements

Structured activities help to develop responsibility, patience, leadership, and self-discipline.

Steps for Beginning Equine-Assisted Therapy at Atlas Therapy

Atlas Therapy is proud to have partnered with Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre in Puslinch, Ontario, to offer clients this unique, transformative, and effective service. We offer this support to clients located in the Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Hamilton, and Burlington areas. This unique approach can greatly complement traditional therapeutic methods and provide new pathways to understanding the mind-body connection and ways to heal.

Our therapists are EAP trained and certified through Healing Hooves and Equid-Nexus, along with being Certified Trauma Integration Clinicians. Sessions are focused on connection, emotional and relational awareness, trust, and grounding. Elements and techniques from both Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) are also integrated into the work done with the horse to further help you connect with different parts of yourself that may be causing distress and release trauma or past difficult experiences held within the body.

Appointments are 1-hour after arriving at Sunrise Therapeutic Centre and meeting with your therapist and receiving a tour of the beautiful property and indoor facilities. Each client is matched with a specific horse that is best suited to their personality, challenges, and goals. While surrounded by 100 acres of gardens, forests, and trails, you begin to build a healing connection with your horse while supported and guided by your therapist. We welcome you to book a free 15-minute consultation to ask questions, learn more, and determine whether this form of therapy may be right for you, your child, or someone you know.

FAQ

How many sessions will I need?

You can benefit from doing only a single session. Alternatively, you may also choose to book
occasional or ongoing sessions or use EAP as a supplement to your current traditional therapy.

Can I purchase an EAP package with multiple sessions?

Yes, call or email us to inquire about reduced rates for multi-session packages.

Do I need a referral from a doctor or other healthcare provider?

No, you do not need a referral to book an EAP appointment. You can contact our office to begin the process today.

Are any additional consents or waivers required?

Yes, prior to your appointment you will be given a special waiver for both Atlas Therapy and
Sunrise Riding Centre to review and sign. If the participant is a minor, a parental signature is
required. Upon arrival the therapist will review any questions or concerns that you may have.