Equine Assisted PSychotherapy
A Stable Connection utilizes two forms of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), a metaphor-based technique from the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala) and a relationship-based, trauma-focused technique from Natural Lifemanship
(TF-EAP). For more information about each technique, please click below:
Eagala
Natural Lifemanship
Humans have long recognized the unique power of the horse's intuition. Eagala is the global standard and the leading international association for equine-assisted psychotherapy.
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Many people respond well to traditional talk therapy, but some (veterans, trauma survivors, troubled children and teens, and more) gain insight by doing along with talking. Add to that the unique intuitive power of horses providing non-judgmental feedback, and some clients report healing can happen much quicker with equine-assisted psychotherapy than with traditional therapeutic modalities. As prey animals, horses are extremely sensitive to their environment. They respond to nonverbal messages, even unconscious ones, and their responses can provide valuable feedback and insight into our emotions and fears and can enlighten us to discrepancies we may not be aware of. Horses are large and powerful and hard to ignore. Developing a relationship with a horse helps us reflect on how we approach other relationships and how we can face other big, overwhelming things in our lives. Horses are social animals with distinct personalities, attitudes and moods - just like people! What works with one may not work with another. They provide multiple and varied opportunities for clients to engage in social learning. They respond to what they see and feel honestly and immediately, providing information that brings awareness to current patterns of thought and behavior that allows for growth and change. The horses only change when we change.
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Eagala is ground-focused and solution-oriented, creating a safe environment for both horses and clients to be themselves. Eagala has a training and certification program which requires ongoing, continuing education to renew certification every two years to support quality, professionalism and high standards of practice. It is the only association in the industry with a code of ethics AND a process to uphold those ethics assuring the highest standard of care.
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For more information on the Eagala model, see their website at http://www.eagala.org/
WHY EAP?
Sandy has spent the last 16 years around horses and has seen the truly uplifting effects they can have on the human spirit. Add to that the unique intuitive power of horses providing non-judgmental feedback, and some clients report healing can happen much quicker with equine assisted psychotherapy than with traditional therapeutic modalities.
LEARN BY DOING
Many people respond well to traditional talk therapy, but some (veterans, trauma survivors, children and teens, and more) gain insight by doing along with talking. Sandy is excited to offer clients who may be struggling in traditional therapy environments the opportunity to come to the farm and experience an environment where they can be themselves without judgement or limitation.
INCREASED AWARENESS
Horses are naturally intuitive and honest and their genuineness encourages clients to be their truest selves. This can be the most transformative aspect of equine therapy. They respond to what they see and feel honestly and immediately, providing information that brings awareness to current patterns of thought and behavior that allows for growth and change. The horses only change when we change.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
Spending time with horses can increase mindfulness, improve stress tolerance and reestablish the ability to trust and connect with others after trauma. Developing a relationship with a horse helps us reflect on how we approach other relationships and how we can face other big, overwhelming things in our lives.
VALUABLE FEEDBACK
As prey animals, horses are extremely sensitive to their environment. They respond to nonverbal messages, even unconscious ones, and their responses can provide valuable feedback and insight into our emotions and fears. Their always honest feedback can enlighten us to discrepancies in our thoughts and behaviors that we may not be aware of.
SOCIAL LEARNING
Horses are large and powerful and hard to ignore. They are social animals with distinct personalities, attitudes and moods - just like people! What works with one may not work with another. They provide multiple and varied opportunities for clients to engage in social learning.