Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
The Benefits of Horses in Non-Traditional Therapy

In the last few decades Animal-Assisted Therapy, or (AAT) has become more widely accepted and practiced as a tool in psychiatric medicine, as there are many positive effects on humans. One of the most beneficial subdivisions of Animal-Assisted Therapy is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy or (EAP) where patients are paired up with licensed therapists and equine specialists to conduct individual therapy sessions using the horse. Patients who use Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy learn about themselves, and process behaviors, feelings and patterns. Many EAP programs chose to pair patients with horses who always display similar personalities to help create a better mutual …show more content…
Patients must trust that they are in a safe, confidential environment, free from harm where the psychiatrist or therapist is nonjudgemental and concerned for the client’s well being (Code of Ethics and Conduct). Trust is a key factor in working through issues with a patient, and is a vital necessity in the Code of Ethics for doctor and patient. Many times animals are an easier outlet for patients to trust and make it easier for patients to open up. Animals are seen as non-biased and nonjudgemental, as well as loyal and ultimately trustworthy- all qualities necessary for a successful counseling environment. When traditional therapy environments are not working for clients due to difficulty building trust or feeling comfortable in the environment, Animal- Assisted Therapy may be an …show more content…
Patient with walls and preconceived notions about traditional therapy are often enticed by the non-traditional environment of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. In one common EAP activity, a patient mounts a horse bareback. When riding bareback, riders are much more vulnerable without the comforts and support that a saddle provides. The rider must be both focused on their center of balance and physically using their core muscles to stay on the moving horse. In this exercise the horse will be led by a handler, while the therapist will engage the student in a discussion about the patients issues, monitoring any changes in the patient’s focus. Therapists will often see changes in focus when the student becomes defensive or dishonest. Patients also often find it easier to talk about their issues while focusing their intent on the horse, rather than having all of the focus on them- which is often seen in the more traditional forms of psychiatry in the office