Confiding In Unconventional Friends

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a form of mental health psychotherapy featuring interactions with equines. Clients work towards therapeutic goals in a session by interacting with the equines. It is an alternative to traditional, sit down talk therapy; however, the goals are the same as talk therapy.

Many of the clients come from hard situations or family conflict. Some might be experiencing complex trauma or mental health diagnoses, while others have not yet begun to process their challenges or even realize their needs. Whether a child or adult, each client is accompanied by three team members: an equine specialist, a mental health professional and an equine — all of whom are considered equal and vital. Each one-hour, private session occurs within the arena. It involves no horseback riding, grooming or petting, and the horse is unnamed. Instead, clients are encouraged to assign the horse a metaphor, such as a piece of themself, a person in their life or an emotion that relates to their personal goals. They are given the opportunity to build a representation of goals or issues in their lives using objects or anything in the arena, whether a rope or a bird flying overhead.

Since the session is held outside, clients can engage all their senses. The equine gives immediate feedback through action or inaction, but it is non-judgmental, so the client feels safe. Words might not be exchanged, yet the experience helps clients build bridges and develop trust, or perhaps learn how to manage emotions and empower their own problem solving. One example: if they feel safe, they approach or allow others to approach, if they do not they will move away. This often enables clients to learn relationship building skills and self-awareness in one of the best possible waysexperientially with immediate feedback. This experiential feedback in real time enables clients to adjust their behavior and learn to regulate emotions to build relationship and trust with the equine. This is often an invaluable lesson that can be transferred to human relationships in their lives and how clients approach relationships and challenges. There are even time when this enables them to become the expert in their own healing.

Staff for the specialized program are certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). Sessions are provided to students and residents here at HopeTree, and community collaborations are being developed to extend session availability to others, including those for whom traditional talk therapy was unsuccessful. “The sessions are extremely impactful, and clients can catapult progress in reaching their goal,” said Amy Carroll, HopeTree’s equine-assisted psychotherapist. “I’ve seen some real break-throughs.”

The HopeTree Horses require routine veternarian care, medications, farrier services (horseshoes), as well as food, water and shelter. They also require grooming equipment, blankets, and additional equipment to make sure they are feeling their best for each client.

For $5,000, you can meet all these needs for a horse - and in doing so help our clients continue on their path to a brighter future.

Learn how to sponsor a HopeTree Horse at hopetreefs.org/support