Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Overview
Equine assisted psychotherapy is a form of experiential therapy which involves interacting with horses. The focus is on mental and emotional health. It provides instant feedback and connects people without fear of rejection. Success depends on approaching the horses calmly. Prices range from $50 to $300 per hour depending on factors like group size, session length, and location. Insurance often does not cover it. Equine therapy is sometimes more expensive than traditional talk therapy but usually requires fewer sessions to reach treatment goals.
Becoming an Equine Therapist
Becoming an equine therapist involves completing a degree with specialization in this field, taking about 10 months. Courses, projects, workshops, and client work are required. Certification programs are also available.
Equine Therapy Session Experience
In a session, you interact with the horse on the ground along with the therapist and handler instead of riding it. This builds confidence and emotional skills. Groundwork activities include grooming, feeding, and leading the horse. Sessions may involve overcoming specific “obstacles”. Afterwards, you discuss experiences and emotions with the therapist. The aim is discovering more about yourself and changing negative behaviors. The horse acts as a biofeedback machine, providing information about moods and mood changes. Equine therapy continues growing in popularity due to its powerful benefits.