EAP - Equine Assisted Psychotherapy - Spring Brook Farms 317-695-8944

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy - EAP

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. - Winston Churchill

EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY - EAP

DEFINITION

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is defined as an interactive process in which a team of a licensed mental health professional, an equine specialist, and a horse partners with a client to address psychotherapy goals. Sessions allow for clients to learn about themselves and others in order to analyze and adjust their beliefs, behaviors, habits, and thoughts as needed for their personal growth and/or emotional healing.

GOALS

Empower clients to meet and overcome challenges for personal growth
Maintain client centered focus
Stay solution focused
Offer trauma informed care
Set up and allow for experiential learning
Include the client in setting their goals
Be team centered with parents
Incorporate outside agencies goals and directives
Maintain safe, healthy boundaries and accountability for the client, horse, and professionals
Adhere to industry based philosophies and ethics
Incorporate research and evidence based practices and processes
Maintain confidentiality of client according to HIPAA

Benefits

Couples
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy can help couples address a variety of behaviors and problems that create dysfunction in a relationship.

The couple will meet with our clinical team to discuss difficulties of current concern or areas the couple would like to work on. Equine Assisted Therapy can assist couples in:

Improving your communication
Developing empathy towards one another
Increasing your intimacy
Pinpointing ineffective parenting skills
Highlighting a couple's strengths
Reminding you of the reasons why you are together
Bringing fun and excitement to your relationship

BENEFITS

Families
There are many stress factors that effect family dynamics and relationships in our current times. Financial difficulties, time pressures, social media, sexual dynamics, the internet, drug abuse, addictions, school difficulties, work place stress are just a few factors that can negatively effect a family.

Family dynamics can be explored safely and enjoyably through Equine Assisted Therapy.

EAP can assist a family with:

Having fun together
Improving their communication
Pointing our their strengths
Developing empathy
Encouraging team work and collaboration among family members
Highlighting inefficient discipline techniques

Individuals or Groups

Build self-awareness necessary for healing emotional wounds and/or personal development
Increase social and emotional skills
Develop skills for goal setting and methods of accomplishment
Increase conflict resolution skills
Develop ability to self correct and regulate stress response system
Increase school attendance and grades
Decrease bullying and behavior problems
Increase ability to focus and attend
Improve brain function by increasing cross brain connections and expansion of neoplasticity of the brain
Improve skills for healthy relationships with self, others and animals
Building mindfulness skills
Develop healthy connections through attachment and detachment
Strengthen emotional intelligence skills
Increase resiliency skills
Build confidence
Build trust
Learn to face your fears
Learn how to set boundaries and say no
Change unproductive patterns
Develop new coping skills

THE PROGRAM

A horse, licensed therapist and horse professional conduct EAP.
EAP may be used with children, adolescents, and adults to treat:

behavioral issues
ADHD
substance abuse
eating disorders
abuse issues
depression
anxiety
relationship issues
communication needs
attachment concerns and disorders
Post Traumatic Stress and trauma issues

EAP may also be used in counseling, coaching and learning sessions:
Parenting
Foster Care
Times of Transition
Spiritual Growth

Sessions are typically 55 to 90 minutes and best if held for a minimum of 8 weeks.

RESOURCES