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WHAT IS EAP?
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) uses
horses to teach anger management, conflict resolution,
communication skills, and problem solving. The sessions are
a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a
horse professional.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy:
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Challenges clients in a non-threatening
manner
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Rapidly breaks down defense barriers
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Provides immediate cause and effect
situations
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Captivates and holds attention
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Promotes change from dysfunctional patterns
to successful ones.
Because of its intensity and effectiveness,
EAP is described as a short-term, or “brief” therapeutic
approach.
WHO
BENEFITS?
The treatment is experiential in nature —
clients learn about themselves and others by completing
tasks involving horses, then processing feelings, behaviors,
and patterns.
It addresses a variety of mental health and
human development needs, including:
HOW
DOES IT WORK?
Those who are familiar with horses recognize
their power to influence people profound ways. The focus of
EAP is on setting up activities with horses that require the
client or group to apply certain skills:
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Non-verbal communication
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Assertiveness
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Creative thinking
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Problem-solving
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Leadership
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Taking responsibility
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Teamwork
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Self-confidence
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Positive attitude.
Like people, horses are dynamic living
beings, motivated by basic needs. Equine activities serve as
metaphors to “show rather than tell” clients about
themselves. The approach has an incredible impact on
individuals, youth, families and groups.
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