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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 that supports clients of all ages in addressing therapeutic goals (emotional, cognitive, behavioural, relationship and mental health conditions), with horses as assistants, support and co-facilitators in this process. EAP is offered by registered Counsellors, Psychotherapist or registered mental health practitioners, such as Social Workers and Psychologists. EAP can assist in personal development, professional development and developing leadership skills in teams and individuals. EAL is a fast-growing modality across Australia as well as internationally. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) clients benefit greatly from EAL services as do children and adolescents.
Horses are beautiful, intelligent, sensitive and strong beings who can evoke strong feelings in clients or engage clients in the learning process. Calm and healthy horses can assist in co-regulating a client's nervous system, can model healthy living and expression of feelings, as well as offering non judgemental safety and trust. Horses can offer unique bio feedback and hold clients in a way traditional learning and therapy environments cannot. The natural environment can also contribute positively to learning outcomes for clients. EAP is particularly beneficial for those that struggle with room based interventions.
Clients experiencing:
In EAP, clients are offered ‘safe’ (physically and emotionally) experiences with horses for the purpose of exploring self-experience in relationship, building self-awareness, building awareness of patterns or habits that are no longer serving clients well, developing psychological, social and emotional skills, and addressing therapeutic goals clients have identified.
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.
What if I don't have experience with horses?
No horse or riding experience is necessary, in fact it can be just as helpful to not have any experience.
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, sun hat or rain coat and closed sturdy footwear, you may like to consider sunscreen or bug repellent. As we are located high on the hills of Yallourn North, it can often be a few degrees hotter or cooler, so you may choose to layer your clothing.
What do I bring?
Bring any medications you may need, and you may like to bring a drink.
We Love Animals
However for Biosecurity and Safety of the Animals at Free Rein, we request that you please leave yours at home.
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