Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a unique nature-based alternative to traditional room-based counselling therapy. It is an experiential (meaning learning from experience) modality of therapy which includes the presence of horses in a therapeutic environment to provide support, regulation, feedback and learning.
Horses are experts at reading non-verbal cues, meaning they can often mirror and provide immediate feedback on our own behaviour from a non-judgemental perspective. This supports us to recognise and explore our own behavioural patterns and reactions with an increased self-awareness. Horses are also herd animals, thriving on connection, allowing us to reflect on themes such as boundaries, trust, vulnerability, respect and attachment in relationship with others.
Horses model and remind us beautifully how to be grounded, how to express our emotions respectfully, use our feelings as information and how to return to a regulated state. With rhythmic movement, engaging with horses can help reduce anxiety, manage stress and improve overall emotional well-being.
EAP allows the facilitation of horse and human connection in the present moment to learn skills we can then implement into everyday life.
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Equine Assisted Therapy is for everyone! However at Wild Hooves we specialise in seeing young people up to the age of 25. Equine Assisted Therapy can support young people experiencing behavioural issues, emotional dysregulation, low self esteem, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship problems, eating disorders and substance abuse. At Wild Hooves, sessions are tailored to meet the individual needs and goals of the young person which are identified by the young person and the Carer/Parent.
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A session might include herd observations, grooming experiences, leading activities, working with horses at liberty, creating different activities with the horses or exploring the paddocks. We will connect as closely as you are comfortable to with the herd and can engage in adventure based activities if required.
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Sessions run for 1 hour at a cost of $170 per session. Cost will vary if you would like to combine sessions with EMDR, please contact Steph for more information regarding this option
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No prior horse experience is required, we will support you in a way that is safe and right for you and the horses and provide education around safety guidelines.
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Yes, Wild Hooves is able to support Self and Plan managed NDIS Participants. We also offer support for young people living in Out of Home Care (OOHC).
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Mounted sessions are not offered at Wild Hooves as all connections with the horses are offered through groundwork. This allows for a deeper connection and relationship to be formed with the horses with activities such as leading, building, grooming and observing
Ready to start your journey? Click here to book.