Our approach to Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is informed by Aware Therapy, which was developed by the Equine Psychotherapy Institute. This approach incorporates a range of trauma-informed practices, including gestalt therapy, Buddhist psychotherapy, mindfulness psychotherapy, and somatic experiencing, all aimed at supporting positive client transformation.
What is equine assisted psychotherapy?
EAP is an experiential approach to counselling and psychotherapy that assists clients in achieving therapeutic goals, with the "horse" as an assistant and co-facilitator. The qualified EAP practitioner supports the process, starting with talk therapy to explore client issues, followed by safe horse experiences to help the client explore their "self" and "self in relationship." This process helps build awareness of patterns of behavior or thinking that may no longer serve them well, supports psychological healing, and aids with emotional and physical regulation. A compilation of studies exploring the benefits of equine-assisted psychotherapy can be found here.
Why Horses?
Horses are magnificent creatures, possessing beauty, intelligence, sensitivity, and strength, capable of eliciting profound emotions in clients and actively engaging them in the therapeutic process. Calm and healthy horses have the ability to co-regulate a client's nervous system, modeling healthy living and expression of emotions, while providing a non-judgmental atmosphere of safety and trust. They offer distinctive bio-behavioral feedback and provide a unique level of support that often differs from what is found in traditional learning environments. The natural environment also contributes positively to therapeutic outcomes for clients.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
What is trauma and how can equine therapy help?
What to expect
When you arrive at Edenhope for equine assisted psychotherapy, you will be greeted at your car and offered your choice of outdoor or under-cover therapy space to commence the session where we will check-in regarding the session aim(s).
A 50 minute session with a qualified EAP practitioner will typically involve talk therapy, guided self-regulation support, and an equine experience — according to your unique needs, goals and wants, and the wants and feelings of the horse(s). A 90 minute session may also integrate forest walking with a horse, or personal time in a safe space observing the horse(s) or other farm animals to allow self reflection, journaling or meditation. You will be provided with a safety awareness briefing prior to any farm and animal encounter.
At the end of the session we will check in on your outcomes and future therapeutic goals. You will then be farewelled at your car.
Who we work with
Clients with emotional or mental health challenges such as emotional dysregulation, social anxiety, depressive issues, low self worth, grief and loss, addictive behaviour, body image issues, eating disorders, relationship issues and more.
Ages 6+ years
What EAP is not
Horsemanship or learning about horses
Horse riding or hippotherapy
Spending “time” with horses
Fee Schedule
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy 60 mins - $150
A referral is not required.
Unfortunately, at this time, psychotherapy practitioners do not qualify for Medicare rebates.