Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential treatment method that involves clients interacting with horses. EAP has been used to treat issues including ADD, abuse, depression, anxiety, drug abuse, eating disorders, and more. In an EAP session, a client will typically groom, feed or walk the horse while the therapist observes the clients' reactions to the horse's behavior. Therapists that utilize EAP often believe that horses provide instant and accurate feedback of a client's thoughts and feelings, which can help both the therapist and client become more aware of these emotions. Horses are nonjudgmental, which can help clients connect with another living being that accepts them – making it easier to learn to trust, and easing the path into having trusting relationships with other people. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s EAP specialists today.

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Meet the specialists

 

I am a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. I offer in-person equine-assisted psychotherapy in Pasadena, CA. I have over 40 years of experience with horses and believe they can teach us a great deal about ourselves. Equines are partners in my treatment and you will be outside and in nature which also adds to your healing.

— Cornelia Seiffert, Clinical Social Worker in Pasadena, CA
 

PATH International Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL)

— Marianne Matos, Counselor in Aiken, SC

PATH Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning

— Marianne Matos, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Aiken, SC
 

EAP is an experiential, or hands-on, approach. It moves past, or in conjunction with, traditional talk therapy. It is effective in treating a variety of difficulties from anxiety and mood disorders to interpersonal and relationship conflicts. It is not therapeutic riding and is done completely or mostly from the ground. It involves building relationships with horses and completing various tasks with them in order to achieve your goals. This can be used with children and adults.

— Jill Horan, Therapist in Lake zurich, IL

I combine my expertise as a therapist and social justice educator to offer equine-assisted psychotherapy rooted in the ethical inclusion of horses in human treatment. I can help you learn how to shift your perspective from a human-dominant framework to one of connection, dialogue and choice.

— Julia Alexander, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in ,
 

We, at Porter's House Inc., are excited to be working in collaboration with Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center in Bristol, CT to provide clients with Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)! EAP is the combined use of horses, a licensed therapist, and an equine specialist to support clients in making progress towards individual treatment goals. The client's relationship with the horse can be utilized as a tool to mirror real-life experiences and to explore patterns in their own relationships.

— Christie Caneschi, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Waterbury, CT

Porter's House Inc. is excited to be working in collaboration with Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center, located in Bristol, to offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to our clients! EAP is the combined use of horses, a licensed therapist, and an equine specialist to support clients in making progress towards individual treatment goals. The client's relationship with the horse can be utilized as a tool to mirror real-life experiences and to explore patterns in their own relationships.

— Christie Caneschi, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Waterbury, CT
 

Horses are one of nature's most intuitive & empathetic animals. They can mirror an individual's emotions which makes them a great therapeutic assistance. Equine-Assisted-Psychotherapy (EAP) assists in emotional regulation, increasing cognitive skills, reducing stress & easing symptoms of PTSD, trauma as well as depression. EAP also assists individuals when it comes to destructive behavior, habits and relationship patterns. Come try EAP out with me today!

— Amina Tamachi, Counselor in Denver, CO

I offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy at a facility nearby.

— Eliina Belenkiy, M.Ed., LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Middleburg, VA
 

EAP incorporates the mighty, empathic, and spiritual presence of horses into psychotherapy. Horses outwardly mirror what we feel inside in a way that is nonjudgmental, sensitive, and pure. They bond with us nonverbally in a special relationship that leaves many feeling profoundly seen and understood. I worked with youth survivors at a horse ranch and rescue for over 6 years before completing 3 years of clinical internship at an Equine Assisted Therapy program for youth in crisis.

— Rory Valentine Diller, M.A., LMFT, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Cruz, CA

I am a certified EAP Mental Health Professional with EAGALA

— Margot Charkow-Ross, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Elk Grove, CA