Month: August 2022

Practitioner of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) that makes use of horses as therapeutic tools is known as equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFPT), horse therapy, or equine-assisted psychotherapy. In this form of therapy, the client is actively engaged through the use of tools, props, and other imaginative means to reenact and investigate significant life events.

Hamer Equine Assisted Learning [ H.E.A.L.] offers a tranquil space for participants to experience the unique benefits of equine assisted in Victoria, Australia. H.E.A.L. offers physically and psychologically safe experiences with horses.

The equine therapist often does not provide advice but rather creates a secure environment in which the client can process their thoughts and emotions in the presence of the horse.

This article describes the goals of horse therapy and the steps taken by an equine therapist to achieve those goals during a session. How to become an equine-assisted psychotherapist and what training and certification is required are also covered.

Equestrian Physiotherapists and Their Practice Areas

People with a wide range of health issues and mental health worries have benefited from equine-facilitated psychotherapy.

• Disorders on the Autism Spectrum
• Disorders of inattention and hyperactivity (ADHD)
• Use Disorder of Substances
• Distress after a stressful event (PTSD)
• Problems with confidence, self-awareness, and making choices
• Problems with Emotional Stability
• Adapting to Freedom After Prison
•  Depression
• Anxiety

Clients who participate in equine therapy may develop a greater capacity for trust, both in themselves and in others. People dealing with trauma will benefit tremendously from this.

Justification for using horses

Because of their status as prey animals, horses have a keen awareness of their surroundings. They are completely immersed in the now and can give real-time commentary on the events unfolding around them. Because of their ability to mirror a patient’s feelings, they are an integral part of any therapeutic group.

What Exactly Does Equine-Assisted Therapy Entail?

Each EFPT session is led by a registered equine therapist who works in tandem with a horse expert to help the client achieve their therapeutic objectives.

Clients often interact with one or more horses through grooming, feeding, walking, and sometimes playing and exercising. Supportive materials may be provided to help individuals make symbolic sense of their experience. A customer might, for instance, construct an obstacle course to see the equine participant navigate.

The equine therapist can monitor and communicate with the client both during and after the activity to help them recognize and work through problematic patterns of behavior.

Personalities differ greatly from one another, and this might make it easy to see similarities between you and your horse. Sometimes customers feel they can trust horses enough to have a meaningful relationship with one. Sometimes the horse represents the person or circumstance the person is having trouble with.

The horse can serve as a therapeutic resource in any situation.

Becoming an Equine Therapist: Step-by-Step Instructions

The field of EFPT does not necessitate any sort of specialized qualification in order to be practiced. However, in order to conduct psychotherapy or counseling, one must have the appropriate training and licensing from the relevant authorities in their area.

Practitioners of this field of medicine sometimes choose to demonstrate their expertise by earning a credential from a recognized organization.

Professionals in the fields of mental health and education can become certified by taking an exam and having their work experience reviewed by the Certification Board Certification Board for Equine Interaction Professionals (CBEIP).

The CBEIP is an independent certification body. The exam registration process has stringent requirements. The CBEIP does not offer certification for equestrian professionals or trainers.

As part of its mission, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) offers a certification program for both mental health professionals and equine experts. A candidate for certification must complete an online course, attend an on-site training program, pass an exam, and submit a professional portfolio.

Summary

Experience-based therapies like equine-facilitated psychotherapy can help people with a wide range of issues. ADHD, autism, and post-traumatic stress disorder are just a few examples. The client may have one or more structured or unstructured interactions with the horse(s) during the session. An equine therapist works with a client to help them work through their emotions while a horse specialist assists with the physical care of the horse or horses.