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.
Get Ready to begin your Healing!
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a specialized form of experiential therapy for mental health that involves guided interactions between clients and horses to address psychological, social and emotional challenges.
It is facilitated by a team of professionals, a licensed mental health professional, an equine specialist and a horse. It is distinct from other forms of therapy in that it focuses specifically on psychological healing and mental health treatment.
In EAP, it involves ground-based activities such as grooming, leading, observing, or interacting with the horse in a controlled setting with a specific goal in mind. 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 to take back into their everyday life.
- Reduces Anxiety - Calming, nonjudgmental horse interactions help lower emotional tension
- Supports Trauma Recovery - Gentle, trust building experiences create a sense of safety for kids with difficult pasts
- Improves Emotional Awareness - Horses’ sensitivity to human feelings helps kids identify and name their emotions
- Builds Trust and Self Worth - Positive connections with horses reinforce the belief that they are worthy of care and respect
- Encourages Healthy Coping Skills - Kids learn to manage frustration, fear, and sadness in constructive ways
- Strengthens Relationships - Guided activities improve empathy, communication, and boundary setting skills
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential, on the ground 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, emotional and social intelligence, and more.
In EAL sessions, participants engage in ground-based activities with horses doing such activities as grooming, leading, obstacle courses and more, under the guidance of trained facilitators and horses with results as follows:
- Builds Confidence - Kids see their actions influence a 1,000 lb. animal which boosts self-esteem.
- Improves Communication - Horses respond to body language and tone which helps kids practice clear, respectful communication.
- Teaches Problem Solving - Activities require kids to think creatively and adapt when plans don’t work.
- Encourages Teamwork - Working with horses often involves group challenges which foster cooperation and listening skills.
- Develops Emotional Regulation - Horses mirror human emotions, helping kids recognize and manage their feelings.
- Strengthens Responsibility - Caring for a horse teaches follow through, patience and respect for living things
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.