Residential Mental Health Treatment: Equine Therapy

Equine therapy is a relatively new but rapidly growing type of psychotherapy. It involves using horses to help facilitate a client’s emotional growth. It teaches self-control and confidence, responsibility and accountability, mutual respect and trust, boundaries, empathy, problem solving and cooperation, and more. See how this benefits the client below.

Benefits of Equine Psychotherapy as part of inpatient mental health treatment:

  • Self-control and confidence. Horses are sensitive to the body language of those around them. A client’s ability to allow themselves to relax and interact without fear with such a large animal gives the client a feeling of self-control as well as increased confidence.
  • Responsibility and accountability. Because the client can learn everything from grooming to saddling to riding, it teaches the client responsibility and accountability and allows the client to begin an emotional connection with the animal.
  • Mutual respect and trust. Horses also respond appropriately when approached with the proper respect. Equine therapy allows the client - horse interaction to be one of mutual respect and trust.
  • Boundary setting. Of course, being an animal, a horse will set boundaries and constantly test boundaries. This demands patience, nurturing and clear communication on the part of the client.
  • Empathy towards others. Understanding these beautiful animals allows the client to recognize when it is okay to ask for more or when to ease off.
  • Problem solving and cooperation. Succeeding in understanding horse behavior shows the client that challenges can be approached in a calm and intelligent manner because of this newfound awareness.
  • Overcoming challenges in a non-threatening atmosphere. Of course, Equine Therapy is taught by trained professionals that guide the client and ensure proper safety.
  • Improved communication and social skills. Learning from this positive interaction with a horse can extend to other relationships.
  • Physical well-being. Not only does the client experience emotional growth, but riding encourages coordination and strength for overall well-being.

You can play a role in creating your residential mental health treatment plan by asking for specific complementary therapies, such as Equine Therapy. Call Bridges to Recovery today to learn more.

Learn more about other complementary therapies provided by Bridges to Recovery residential mental health treatment centers:

 

Or, visit our frequently asked questions page.