LEAP are members of Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA).
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning. EAP is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term, or ‘brief’ approach.
EAP - an emerging therapy that challenges behavior and breaks down barriers to emotional growth
· Challenges clients in a non threatening manner
· Rapidly breaks down defence barriers
· Provides immediate cause and effect situations
· Captivates and holds attention
· Promotes change from dysfunctional patterns to successful ones. |
|
|
Read about EAP in action, helping individuals affected recover from the London bombings |
|
Overcoming trauma - July 7th 2006 - one year on
An introduction to EAP
EAP is experimental in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviours and patterns. This approach has been compared to the ropes courses used by therapists, treatment facilities and human development courses around the world. But EAP has the added advantage of utilizing horses, dynamic and powerful living beings.
EAP is not about riding and horsemanship, it is about developing confidence, teamwork and relationship skills
Not all programmes or individuals who use horses practice Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. For one, licensed clinical professions need to be involved for it to be considered “psychotherapy”. The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship. In fact, 90% of EAP takes place purely on the ground. The focus of EAP involves setting up activities involving the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP.
EAP addresses a range of development needs
EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioural issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.
Why Horses?
Those who are familiar with horses recognize and understand the power of horses to influence people in incredibly powerful ways. Developing relationships, training, horsemanship instruction, and caring for the horses naturally affects the people involved in a positive manner.
The benefits of work ethic, responsibility, assertiveness, communication and healthy relationships have long been recognised. Horses naturally provide these benefits. The use of horses is growing and gaining popularity with the rise of new approaches in working with the horses, including the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
We are often asked, “Why horses? Why not other animals?”
Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of the horse are naturally intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.
Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals. They have defined roles within their herds. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes and moods. An approach that seems to work with one horse, does not necessarily work with another. At times they seem stubborn and defiant. They like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning. Using metaphors, in discussion or activity, is an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups.
A mirror to your body language
Horses require work, whether in caring for them or working with them. In an era when immediate gratification and the “easy way” are the norm, horses require people to be engaged in physical and mental work to be successful, a valuable characteristic in all aspects of life.
Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Many people will complain, “The horse is stubborn. The horse doesn’t like me,” etc., but the lesson to be learned is that if they change themselves the horses respond differently. Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers.
Stepps and EAP in the press
Stepps featured in an article about Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in the Independent Newspaper, and you can read the article here.
Another recent article, this time in the Daily Telegraph, talks about the healing and theraputic powers of animals. Stepps, Wendy Powell talks about EAP and the work that the clinic undertakes using horses. You can read the article here. You can also visit the Daily Telegraph web site to read the article online.
EAGALA publishes information on its web site, follow the link for more information: EAGALA information.
If you would like to read more about Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, there is also a reading list on the EAGALA web site, follow the link for more information: EAGALA Reading List.
Return to the top of the page.
