Haven for Healing
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Haven for Healing
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Staff
    • Our Herd
    • Board of Directors
    • Photo Gallery
  • Donating
    • Make A Donation
    • Sponsor A Horse
    • Amazon Wishlist
  • Programs
  • Volunteer
  • Events
  • Contact Us

Therapies We Offer

Here at Haven For Healing we offer two different types of therapy through equine assistance. Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) or , Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a therapeutic approach that involves interactions between individuals and horses to promote emotional growth, mental health, and physical well-being. These forms of therapy are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals in collaboration with equine specialists. 

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Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a specialized form of mental health therapy that involves guided interactions between clients and horses to address psychological and emotional challenges. 


It is facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, an equine specialist and a horse.  It is distinct from other forms of equine therapy in that it focuses specifically on psychological healing and mental health treatment. 


In EAP, involves ground-based activities such as grooming, leading, observing, or interacting with the horse in a controlled setting. The horse's behavior and responses are used as a way to reflect the client's emotions, thoughts, and behavioral patterns, helping them gain insight and develop coping strategies. 

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)

Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential, hands-on approach to personal development and education that involves structured interactions with horses. Unlike equine-assisted psychotherapy, which focuses on mental health treatment, EAL is designed to develop life skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. 

In EAL sessions, participants typically engage in ground-based activities with horses—such as grooming, leading, or obstacle-based tasks—under the guidance of a trained facilitator, often in collaboration with an equine professional. The focus is on how the individual or group interacts with the horse, rather than on the horse itself. 

Why choose Equine Therapy instead of traditional therapy?

Experimental Hands on Learning

  • Unlike traditional therapy, which relies heavily on conversation, equine therapy is action-based, allowing clients to learn through doing. 
  • Activities like grooming, leading, and observing horses help clients process emotions and develop skills in real-time. 

Nonjudgmental, Honest Feedback

  • Horses are incredibly intuitive and react to human emotions and body language. Their responses offer immediate, honest, and nonverbal feedback. 
  • This helps clients become more self-aware and understand how their behaviors affect others without feeling criticized. 

Helps When Words are Hard

  • For individuals with trauma, anxiety, autism, or those simply uncomfortable with talk therapy, equine therapy provides a less verbal, more physical pathway to healing. 
  • It’s especially effective for children, teens, and people who have difficulty articulating their thoughts. 

Builds Trust and Emotional Regulation

  • Forming a connection with a horse requires trust, patience, and emotional control, which mirrors healthy human relationships. 
  • Clients learn to regulate their emotions to successfully interact with the animal—skills that transfer to daily life. 

Promotes Confidence and Empowerment

  • Successfully working with a large, powerful animal can boost self-esteem, courage, and a sense of mastery. 
  • This can be especially valuable for people who feel powerless or out of control in other areas of their lives. 

Calming, Nature-Based Environment

  • Many equine therapy sessions are conducted outdoors in peaceful, natural settings, which can reduce stress and enhance mindfulness. 
  • Being around animals and nature contributes to a sense of calm and grounding that supports emotional healing. 

Equine therapy doesn’t replace traditional therapy, but it offers a compelling alternative or complement for those who benefit from movement, connection, and reflection outside a clinical setting. It’s especially powerful for trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and building self-awareness in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

JOIN US TO SEE HOW THIS EXPERIENTIAL FORM OF THERAPY CAN HELP YOU

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