EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY

For children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with any variety of behavioral health challenges. They have difficulty with relationships, understanding their emotions and behaviors, and they feel stuck. They are open to new ways of treatment. Often lacking in self-confidence and self-respect, they are earnest and willing to try new ways to feel better in life. They require compassion and a safe space to explore their own inner landscape of emotions and feelings, in a non-judgmental process. Where traditional therapy leaves them frustrated and discouraged, they are seeking an opportunity to ‘see’ their behaviors and how those behaviors impact themselves and others. Eating disorders, ADHD, behavior disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD are just a few of the emotional/social issues from which they want liberation from. 

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A non-traditional team approach that works. Eagala serves a worldwide community of certified professionals and provides a comprehensive certification process and member support network. The treatment team consists of a licensed Mental Health Professional and a qualified Equine Specialist and the horses who work with you. The Eagala program involves no riding, which creates a safe space for you to experience the horses as they relate to your specific and unique challenges. You are guided to listen to your own inner thoughts and feelings while connecting and reflecting on what is happening in the arena. This innovative approach to holding space, and avoiding judgment and interpretation, frees you to discover your own lasting solutions. Giving you innovative methods to empower you and strengthen resiliency. 

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Because Eagala’s approach incorporates horses, it is especially culturally engaging in agricultural and rural communities where access and stigma for mental health services may still be prevalent, yet the need is still high. The Eagala Model focuses on a strengths-based, client-directed approach. Hands-on experiences with horses are provided which help clients discover their strengths, experience their own solutions, and apply new behaviors, which creates longer-lasting results. With over twenty years in the field, the Eagala Model is tested and subject to ongoing study and development, with a growing body of peer-reviewed evidence supporting its quality of practice, outcomes, and effectiveness. Program results include a much higher rate of engagement where clients start and complete treatment more readily than in traditional office approaches.

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“Since embracing the Eagala Model, we are able to get to places in therapy in three or four sessions that used to take us six or eight months. It’s effective and removes a lot of the vulnerabilities inherent with therapy while allowing the emotional process to unfold.” - Andrew Lapin, M.S., M.A.

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“Therapists were surprised at the changes they could see in their clients, several of whom were actively regaining control over their lives.”  - Wanda Kay Whittlesey-Jerome, Journal of Counseling and Professional Psychology