Have you tried therapy before and it just does not seem to work? Are you more of a “doing” type of person rather than “all talking”? Have you found yourself stuck and unable to move past a difficult circumstance?
Equine Assisted Therapy may be the answer for you
Equine Assisted Therapy works for many because you are not just sitting around, your whole body is involved. The experiential nature of the therapy allows for self-exploration and healing. For many this type of active counseling allows learning to occur faster and can be felt immediately.
The focus of the therapy is not horsemanship but rather self-exploration, insight, and learning. Horses are social creatures and are natural communicators. Through relationship and specific activities designed for you, the horse and you can interact with and impact each other emotionally and behaviorally. The horse's honest emotional responses provide opportunities for immediate feedback.
Naturally intimidating to many, horses are large and powerful. This creates a natural opportunity to overcome fear and develop confidence. Working alongside a horse, in spite of those fears, provides wonderful insight when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life. This therapy however, does not throw out traditional talk-therapy methods, but combines well-known techniques like SensoriMotor Psychotherapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Play Therapy for children - to name a few, with the unique gifts horses can offer you.
You may have questions about equine assisted therapy
What if I am afraid of horses, can I still benefit from it?
Yes, Yes. Your fear may prove to be helpful in gaining victory over old patterns and it can reveal new insights into your thoughts. No knowledge of horses is required.
Why Horses?
Horses are uniquely accustomed to people and the world around them. They constantly assess the people close by and respond honestly to their world.
Will we ride horses?
All sessions are on the ground, there is no riding involved in the treatment process.
Is it all working with horses?
No it is also about processing and talking with your therapist.
Is there any information on its effectiveness?
The Center’s follows the EAGALA model of equine therapy (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association). EAGALA is an international, nonprofit professional association for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and has standards and a code of ethics which we follow and have accountability to as EAGALA Certified professionals. You may review a copy of the Code of Ethics as well as go to www.eagala.org for more information. This process also incorporates “Best Practice” or “Evidence Based” interventions as determined by the Mental Health profession.
The process is solution-oriented – meaning we believe you have the best solutions for yourself when provided the opportunity to discover them. We are here to provide the space and guidance through exploring what is happening in the process. You are an individual, and every life situation you are involved in will have its own unique solutions which fit best for you – we are here along with the horses to help you find them.
Call to schedule an appointment
If you are ready please contact us. If you call our assistant will be able to help you schedule an appointment (602-325-1233).
Helper our newest therapy dog
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Can Equine-assisted Therapy Help?
Have you tried talking to a therapist but don’t feel it’s helping? Are you someone who connects more by doing than speaking? If the answer is yes, then maybe equine-assisted therapy can help you. What is Equine-assisted Therapy? Equine-assisted therapy involves horses to assist clients. By interacting with an animal like a horse, clients can: Observe the horse’s…
Canine Assisted Therapy
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