Equine Therapy for Mental Health

In times of stress and sadness, animals can offer a tremendous amount of emotional support. Just ask anyone who's ever had a pet. Banyan Mental Health takes things one step further by incorporating equine therapy into our range of treatments. Learn more about what equine therapy involves and how it can help you heal.

What is Equine Therapy?

Equine therapy, also called horse-assisted therapy, involves interactions between people and horses. While equine therapy sounds new, it actually dates back to ancient times. Hippocrates, the "Father of Medicine," supposedly believed in the therapeutic value of riding horses. In the US, equine therapy rose in popularity in the 1950s and 60s. The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International got its start in 1969.

A simple way to define equine therapy is treatment with horses. It is dramatically different from talk therapy. It encourages you to use all your senses and to engage in hands-on activities while you process emotional challenges. During therapy, you may find that the horses you're working with reflect or mirror your emotions, giving you ongoing and instant feedback. Through mirroring you become more aware of your own feelings and emotions, which leads to a greater self-awareness and can help improve your relationships with humans.

Equine therapy extends far beyond just riding horses. It encompasses learning to groom and care for the animals, observing their behavior, and leading them through various challenges. Therapy sessions often include discussions with your therapist or other participants about your interactions with the horses. Additionally, team-building exercises may be integrated into your treatment plan. These activities aim to develop trust, communication skills, emotional regulation, and self-confidence – all crucial elements in mental health recovery.

Some other common names for equine therapy include:

Horse therapy
Equine-assisted therapy (EAP)
Horseback riding therapy
Horse riding therapy
Equestrian therapy
Equine-assisted counseling
Equine-facilitated psychotherapy

Questions about our Facilities or Programs?

Our admissions coordinators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have as you consider whether treatment at Banyan is right for you or your loved one.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1 Do I need to have experience with horses to participate in equine therapy?

If you've never ridden a horse before, you're welcome to try equine therapy. Our trained therapists and equine specialists will guide you through all activities, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the process.

2Is equine therapy safe?

Equine therapy is generally very safe. You'll be given safety equipment, such as a helmet while riding. Our programs are supervised by certified therapists and experienced equine professionals. We use specially trained horses and follow strict safety protocols to minimize any risks.

3How long does an equine therapy session last?

Typical sessions last between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the specific program and your needs. The duration allows for meaningful interaction without being overwhelming.

4Do I have to ride a horse?

Horseback riding may be part of your therapy, but it's not mandatory. Your therapist will consider your concerns and needs when developing your treatment plan. If you'd rather not ride, you may observe, groom, or lead the horse.

5 Is equine therapy covered by insurance?

Equine-assisted therapy is relatively new and may not yet be covered by insurance benefits, and coverage varies depending on your insurance provider and plan. Costs can vary widely based on location. It’s advisable to speak with your insurance company and local therapy providers to understand the financial implications and plan accordingly. Before you begin treatment, we can verify your coverage.

6What should I wear to an equine therapy session?

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Closed-toe shoes are essential for safety. We recommend avoiding loose, flapping clothing that might startle the horses.

7Are the horses specially trained for therapy?

The horses in our program are carefully selected and trained for their temperament and ability to work with diverse individuals. They are accustomed to different behaviors and reactions from clients, ensuring a safe and productive therapy environment.

Banyan Mental Health’s Equine Therapy

Our equine therapy in Florida offers a safe, calm, and therapeutic environment where patients are not pressured to engage in difficult talk therapy activities. Horses, chosen for their unique traits, are ideal for animal-assisted therapy programs due to their calming presence. Equine therapy is particularly beneficial for adults dealing with various mental health issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. By engaging in activities such as grooming, feeding, and leading horses, individuals can experience emotional healing, build confidence, and improve overall well-being. This therapeutic approach helps develop essential skills like trust, patience, and emotional regulation, leveraging the calming influence of horses to foster personal growth.

Benefits of Equine Therapy for Mental Health

Animal-assisted therapies often rely on horses because they have several traits, such as mirroring, that make them very effective. For the right benefit, interacting with horses during the therapy process offers several benefits.

Emotional Regulation

Horses are sensitive to human emotions and react accordingly, providing immediate feedback, which can in turn help you learn to better regulate your own emotions. You learn to manage your feelings more effectively, which leads to fewer emotional outbursts and improves your stability.

Enhanced Self-Esteem

When you accomplish tasks with a large, powerful animal, you gain confidence and self-worth. You feel more competent and in greater control, which can trickle down into other areas of your life.

Improved Social Skills

Unlike humans, horses don't judge. When you interact with them, you can build your social and communication skills, without fear that they will reject you. Horses respond best to clear, consistent communication, which can also help you be more assertive.

Stress Reduction

Horses' calming presence and the therapy's outdoor setting can reduce stress and anxiety. The rhythmic movement of grooming or leading a horse has a soothing effect on the nervous system.

Mindfulness

Horses require full attention, so you learn to focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on past traumas or future anxieties when you work with them. This naturally encourages mindfulness, a beneficial skill for managing various mental health conditions.

Improved Physical Health

Equine therapy can also improve your physical health, as it's a form of light exercise. Learning to ride and groom a horse can also lead to better motor skills and coordination.

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Start Your Journey with Banyan's Equine Therapy

Embark on a transformative path to mental health and well-being with Banyan Mental Health's Equine Therapy program. Our unique approach combines the healing power of human-animal connection with expert therapeutic guidance, offering a fresh perspective on recovery.

Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health challenges, our equine therapy services can provide the support and insight you need to move forward. Don't let another day pass without taking a step toward healing. Ready to experience the difference that equine therapy can make in your life? Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions and help you get started. Contact us today to learn more about our programs or to schedule your first session.

Call us at 877-360-1639 to speak with one of our admissions specialists. They can provide more information about our equine therapy services, discuss your specific needs, and help determine if this innovative approach is right for you. If you prefer to reach out online, visit our contact page to fill out a brief form. We'll get back to you promptly to address your inquiries and guide you through the next steps.