Animals make great companions and are prime examples of unconditional love. It makes sense to bring animals into the therapeutic environment and allow clients to form close connections to improve their mental health. Equine therapy for mental health is an effective program in which clients groom, feed, and lead their horses under the guidance of a professional therapist who is experienced in horse therapy.
The Ranch supports anyone struggling with their mental health and who wants to talk to a professional therapist. In our equine-assisted therapy program, you will participate in activities with horses that can help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, and dissociative disorders. We will develop a comprehensive program to help you treat your symptoms, teaching you healthy coping skills to improve your mental health.
What is equine therapy for mental health?
Equine therapy is a type of experiential therapy for clients with various mental health conditions. It brings the therapy setting outdoors, where participants interact with the animals under supervision and while learning valuable skills.
Equine therapy for mental health can treat several challenging issues. These include trauma, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other treatable conditions. It can teach people how to process painful emotions and experiences, allowing them to work on:
- Assertiveness
- Building confidence
- Emotional awareness
- Empathy
- Improving social skills
Horse therapy can also teach you to build and maintain healthy relationships, improve problem-solving skills, and build trust in others. Combined with behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), it creates a whole-person treatment program that may benefit you in numerous ways.
The benefits of using horse therapy in a treatment program
You may experience many emotional, behavioral, and psychological benefits when you participate in a horse therapy program. It can increase your self-confidence, improve emotional regulation, and promote healing. Here are additional benefits of using horse therapy in a treatment program:
Mental and emotional benefits
While working with horses, you may notice they have a very calming effect on the central nervous system, which can ease stress and anxiety. Horse therapy can also improve emotional regulation, as horses mirror human emotions, helping clients recognize how their emotions affect others. Working with such a large animal is also a good way to boost self-esteem and confidence.
Equine therapy can provide an effective way to heal from past trauma and PTSD. It provides a safe, non-judgmental setting where clients can rebuild trust by working with the animal and developing a close connection.
Social and behavioral benefits
Working with horses in a supervised setting can improve communication skills as participants develop verbal and non-verbal commands to control the animals. It enhances listening skills and can make you more observant. Horse therapy can also strengthen relationships by fostering compassion, patience, and understanding toward others. It may teach responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries, as caring for a horse involves consistently building a routine.
Cognitive benefits
Equine-assisted therapy is very beneficial to cognition. Participating in activities that require attention, critical thinking, and decision-making can improve focus and problem-solving skills. Grooming and leading a horse around can also improve coordination and motor skills.
Horses are highly aware of emotional temperament and nonverbal cues, which makes them very adaptable to reading humans. They offer a unique advantage over traditional therapy or other emotional support animals by cultivating skills like trust, communication, social connection, self-acceptance, and impulse control.
Enroll in our holistic equine-assisted therapy program today at The Ranch
The Ranch is a full-service addiction and mental health treatment center that utilizes behavioral and holistic therapies in all of its programs. When you arrive at our discreet location, we will complete a health assessment to determine the best treatment program for you. Our programs include equine therapy, adventure therapy, and mindfulness practices to teach you healthy coping techniques and give you the greatest chance of success in reaching your recovery goals.
For more information about equine therapy for mental health, message us using our online contact form or call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a consultation.