Equine-Assisted therapy is an innovative and tangible method that involves horses in the treatment of mental health. A powerful, evidence-based modality, Equine-Assisted Therapy is also known as equine therapy, horse therapy, therapeutic riding, and equestrian therapy.
Through horse-based therapy, teens develop confidence, gain trust, and form more healthy boundaries. Furthermore, learning to manage and care for a horse, with the direction of an equine therapy can help clients develop empathy and develop real connections. In case where you really want additional hints about equine therapy, check out this site.
Equine-Assisted Therapy can be particularly beneficial for teens as it allows them to manage their emotions and issues by using non-verbal communication. Consequently, it can be particularly beneficial for adolescents who are resistant to talk therapy.
What is Equine-Assisted Therapy?
In the sessions of Equine-Assisted Therapy, teens learn how to accept themselves and others by working with horses as well as working with Credentialed Equine-Assisted Therapists. They can reap a range of benefits of horse therapy by taking care of horses and interacting with them.
Research has shown that Equine-Assisted Therapy is effective for helping adolescents suffering from depression, anxiety, and/or trauma-related symptoms, as well as ADHD and autism, as well as dissociative disorders and other mental health conditions. In a study that was representative adolescents demonstrated increased confidence, self-esteem, assertiveness, emotional regulation, and resourcefulness as a result of Equine-Assisted Therapy. Sometimes, only a few sessions may result in improvement in some instances.
Furthermore, equine therapy reduces depression and anxiety through physiological changes. Studies have shown that therapy that is based on animals reduces cortisol, a stress hormone. The time spent with animals reduces blood pressure. It also increases the release of oxytocin an organic chemical that can promote feelings of happiness and connections.
The Horse-Human Relationship in Equine-Assisted Therapy
Horses are incredibly sensitive to people's feelings. Horses also react to subtle environmental changes. Thus, they are able to detect the emotional state of a teenager such as anxiety or depression.
The horse is a biofeedback instrument for teenagers. It responds to their emotions and reflect their feelings. Furthermore, horses do not make judgements about teens by their appearance or their diagnoses. In the end, teenagers feel loved and accepted. The horses at Newport Academy are an important part of the treatment team and are given the highest quality of care.
Different kinds of Equine Therapy
There are a variety of Equine-Assisted Therapy. Each has distinct goals:
Equine-Assisted Psychology (EAP). In EAP sessions licensed mental health professionals collaborate alongside credentialed horse specialists to help clients reach their goals in psychotherapy.
Equine-Assisted Learning Therapy (EAL): This type of equine therapy focuses on helping people learn essential life skills, like respect, trust, communication as well as self-awareness and honesty.
Hippotherapy: In modern usage Hippotherapy is a term used to describe methods of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy that utilize horses.