Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?
What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?
What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, or EAP, developed by the Equine and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy Institute, is a professional, innovative, and experiential approach to counselling, psychotherapy, and mental health. This method supports clients of all ages in addressing therapeutic goals—emotional, cognitive, behavioral, relationship, and mental health conditions—using horses as assistants and co-facilitators. Offered by registered Counsellors, Psychotherapists, and mental health practitioners like Social Workers and Psychologists, EAP is an effective option for those seeking equine psychotherapy in Australia. It can greatly assist in personal and professional development, as well as in developing leadership skills within teams and individuals. As a rapidly growing modality, equine therapy is gaining popularity both across Australia and internationally. Additionally, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) clients, including children and adolescents, find great benefits from equine therapy, making it an accessible choice for many.
Why Horses?
What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?
What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?
Horses are beautiful, intelligent, sensitive, and strong beings who can evoke strong feelings in clients and engage them in the learning process. Calm and healthy horses can assist in co-regulating a client's nervous system, model healthy living and expression of feelings, and offer non-judgmental safety and trust. Horses provide unique biofeedback and support clients in ways that traditional learning and therapy environments cannot. The natural environment also contributes positively to learning outcomes for clients. Equine therapy is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with room-based interventions.
What are some Benefits of EAP
What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?
What are some Benefits of EAP
Improved social skills through equine psychotherapy can lead to enhanced empathy and relationship skills. This therapeutic approach also aids in distress tolerance, boosts confidence and self-esteem, and helps in reducing stress. Boundary setting is another critical area where equine therapy near me can make a significant impact. By promoting movement and activity, individuals can form meaningful connections with both horses and nature. The proven scientific benefits of mindfulness are evident in increased attention and improved problem-solving abilities.
Who attends EAP?
What happens in an EAP session?
What are some Benefits of EAP
Clients experiencing: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Addiction, Eating disorders, Relational Issues, and looking for alternatives to room-based therapy can benefit from equine psychotherapy. This approach is suitable for Children, Adolescents & Adults, including NDIS participants. We also support neurologically diverse clients, corporate teams, leaders and managers, organizations, personal development clients, school groups, carers, and foster carers, and more.
What happens in an EAP session?
What happens in an EAP session?
What happens in an EAP session?
In EAP, clients engage in ‘safe’ (physically and emotionally) experiences with horses, which is a key aspect of equine psychotherapy in Australia. This approach allows individuals to explore self-experience in relationships, build self-awareness, and recognize patterns or habits that may no longer serve them well. Through equine therapy near me, clients can develop psychological, social, and emotional skills while addressing their identified therapeutic goals.
What does an EAP Session look like?
What happens in an EAP session?
What happens in an EAP session?
Experience equine psychotherapy through observation of horses. Enjoy meeting horses at liberty and participate in lead-line experiences that include touching and liberty leading, which involves guiding horses without a lead rope.
Certification
Free Rein Wellbeing is Fully Insured through Membership with the International Institute of Complementary Therapists as a Certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist with the Equine Psychotherapy Institute, and Registered Counsellor with Australian Counselling Association, specializing in equine and nature based psychotherapy in Australia.
What If's & FAQ's
What if I don't have experience with horses? No horse or riding experience is necessary; in fact, having no experience can sometimes be just as beneficial, especially in the context of equine psychotherapy in Australia. Do I have to ride the horses? No, sessions are not mounted; all sessions are conducted with human feet on the ground. What do I wear? Wear weather-appropriate clothing, a sun hat or raincoat, and closed sturdy footwear. You may also want to consider sunscreen or bug repellent. Since we are located high on the hills of Yallourn North, it can often be a few degrees hotter or cooler, so layering your clothing is advisable. What do I bring? Bring any medications you may need, and you may like to have a drink. We Love Animals. However, for biosecurity and the safety of the animals at Free Rein, we kindly request that you please leave your pets at home, .
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