Using horses for mental health is a tried and true healing method. At Seaglass Recovery, we incorporate healing with horses into our approach to comprehensive behavioral health treatment.
If you are ready to try equine therapy, Arizona treatment centers like ours can provide this opportunity. Our ranch treatment center offers you the ability to achieve whole-health healing while interacting with our beautiful and specially trained horses.
What Is Equine Therapy?
Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy (EAP), is a type of therapy that uses interactions with horses to improve a person’s physical and mental health. This therapeutic method dates back as far as the 17th century. During this time, horses were documented to have been used to treat individuals suffering from gout, neurological disorders, and more.
Today, horse therapy and other forms of animal therapy are used to treat a variety of conditions. There are different approaches to equine therapy. At their core, each approach involves working with a mental health professional and specially trained horses.
Equine assisted therapy sessions often involve activities like grooming, feeding, and leading a horse. A therapist will be present to help participants process their experience and connect it to their own lives. This helps promote healing on a spiritual and emotional level.
Equine-Assisted Therapy for Mental Health
Equine-assisted therapy incorporates interaction with horses into our mental health treatment plans. Each session features a mental health professional and an equine specialist working together. This allows them to deliver comprehensive healing experiences to our guests.
Our programs use equine therapy to address several mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Eating disorders
- Addiction
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief
- Relationship issues
- Low self-esteem
Equine-Assisted Therapy for Addiction
In equine-assisted therapy for addiction, our guests work with horses under the guidance of a mental health professional. The focus of this activity is on building a connection with the animal. Through this connection, our guests can learn about themselves and their addictions. It can be very helpful in developing coping skills for issues like substance abuse, childhood trauma, and complex trauma.
There are many benefits to using equine therapy as a treatment approach for addiction. Horses are large, powerful animals that can be both calming and challenging to work with. This helps our guests develop a sense of trust and responsibility.
Horses can also be very sensitive to human emotions and have helped guests from all walks of life. Because of this, they can provide our guests with a safe space to express themselves. Some of the specific benefits our guests can gain from participating in equine therapy include:
- Improved self-awareness
- Increased empathy
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved communication skills
- Increased self-esteem
- Improved problem-solving skills
- Relapse prevention
It is important to keep in mind that this is not a replacement for traditional addiction treatment. However, it can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive treatment plan. At Royal Life Centers our treatment plans incorporate traditional treatment and experiential therapies like equine therapy to promote whole-health wellness.
Are you struggling with substance abuse and mental illness?
Royal Life Centers at Seaglass is here to help you recover. Because we care.
What Happens During Equine Therapy?
Before diving into activities with horses, a licensed therapist will first assess your recovery needs and goals. Once this has been done, you will be introduced to one of our horses that best fits you.
Sessions often start with basic horse care tasks like grooming and feeding. This not only builds a bond with the horse but also teaches responsibility. Your therapist might guide you through exercises with the horse on the ground. This may include leading the horse around or practicing catching it with a halter.
These exercises can help you develop trust, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. Throughout the session, your therapist will be present to observe your interactions with the horse. This can help you explore any emotions and thoughts that arise. This can be a powerful tool for gaining self-awareness and working through challenges.
Why Is Caring For and Riding Horses Therapeutic?
Caring for and riding horses can be therapeutic for a variety of reasons, both physical and mental. Horses are large and powerful animals. Forming a connection with one can boost feelings of self-esteem, accomplishment, and trust. This is especially helpful for those struggling with anxiety or social isolation.
Furthermore, horses rely on non-verbal cues. Interacting with them can heighten your awareness of your body language and how it affects others. Studies have also shown that caring for horses can lower blood pressure and heart rate. This can promote relaxation and reduce stress during recovery.
Finally, overcoming challenges and learning new skills while riding a horse can give a great sense of accomplishment. It can also boost self-confidence, an important factor for maintaining sobriety and wellness in the long term.
What If I Don’t Know How to Ride a Horse?
If you do not have experience with riding or caring for horses, you do not need to worry. Our equine therapy programs can teach you everything you need to know about horse care. Learning how to groom, feed, and properly care for your horse is all part of the therapeutic process.
During your sessions, you will work one-on-one with your therapist and equine specialist. They will help you interact with your horse and get the most out of your therapy experience. The most important thing to remember about this experience is that you are there to learn.
Arizona Equine Therapy at Royal Life Centers
Seaglass Recovery at Royal Life Centers offers extensive addiction treatment options and services at our recovery center. Our goal is to provide the most comprehensive care possible to our guests. In doing so, we ensure they can heal in their minds, bodies, and spirits. Through our network of Arizona treatment centers, we offer a residential program as well as outpatient programs for addiction and mental health issues.
Our equine therapy program is just one of the many activities you will be able to take part in when seeking treatment with us. From detox to aftercare, we offer a complete continuum of care to those recovering from addiction and other behavioral health issues. Our programming is designed to treat the whole person so you can move on to a brighter future.
To learn more about our treatment options, reach out to us today. We will answer all your recovery questions and help you understand what levels of care will be best for you. Call us to get started on your path to recovery today.
