Equine Therapy for (PTSD) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. For thousands of years horses have been mystical, magical creatures playing the role of transportation, gladiator, companion, entertainer and more. Now they are also playing the role of psychotherapy assistant through a discipline known as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) which is increasingly being used to treat war veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The U. S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs estimates that Post Traumatic Stress afflicts as many as one- quarter of the troops returning from the Middle East, or about 3.
Department of Veterans Affairs, who has provided grants for practitioners to run equine assisted therapy groups with returning troops from Afghanistan and Iraq. Animal- assisted therapy has shown evidenced- based efficacy in patients including war veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety, attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorders, dissociative disorders, and other chronic mental illnesses. Why Horses? According to Dr. Laurie Sullivan- Sakeada, a Utah based Clinical Psychologist and leading practitioner of EAP, horses are prey animals, and, like those who have been to war, rely on their heightened senses for survival. Sakeada notes that one session of EAP in the barn is equal to five sessions “on the couch.” Equine Therapy for Emotional Healing. In Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, horses are used as tools for military veterans to gain self- understanding and emotional growth. Self- Efficacy: Learning to communicate and achieve harmony with a large animal promotes renewed feelings of efficacy.
Self- Awareness: Riding helps participants to develop a more realistic view of themselves through awareness of their size in relation to the horse. This is especially important in treating patients with eating disorders as well as those with interpersonal aggression problems.
Communication: Horses' sensitivity to non- verbal communication assists patients in developing greater awareness of their emotions, the non- verbal cues that they may be communicating, and the important role of non- verbal communication in relationships. Trust: Learning to trust an animal such as a horse also aides in the development, or restoration, of trust for those whose ability to trust has been violated by difficult life experiences such as physical or sexual abuse, abandonment, neglect, or marital infidelity. Perspective: Through grooming activities and other types of care for a specific horse, patients are able to put aside the absorbing focus of their mental illness, such as depressive ruminations, and instead to direct their attention and interests outwardly toward safe and caring interactions. Anxiety Reduction: Many studies of human- animal interaction indicate that contact with animals significantly reduces physiological anxiety levels. Some patients are initially afraid of horses. But horses' genuineness and affection allay these fears, helping patients to embrace exposure therapy for their anxiety issues. Decreasing Isolation: For many individuals with mental illness, there is a long- term or recent history of feeling rejected by, and different from, other people.
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Mental illnesses are intrinsically isolating experiences. The horse's unconditional acceptance invites patients back into the fellowship of life. Self- Acceptance: Many patients are initially concerned that they will do something embarrassing while learning about or riding the horses.
Yet patients quickly learn that the other participants are engaged in their own equine experiences, and they observe the comfort of the horses in their own skin. Fears of embarrassment in public are thereby often reduced and self- acceptance increased. Impulse Modulation: Particularly for those whose mental illness involves the experience of lost control over impulses, the need to communicate with a horse calmly and non- reactively promotes the skills of emotional awareness, emotion regulation, self- control, and impulse modulation. Research clearly indicates that animal- assisted therapy reduces patient agitation and aggressiveness and increases cooperativeness and behavioral control. Social Skills: Many individuals with mental illness are socially isolated or withdrawn. A positive relationship with a horse is often a first, safe step toward practicing the social skills needed to initiate closer relationships with people. Assertiveness: Communicating effectively with a horse requires the rider to demonstrate assertiveness, direction, and initiative; important skills that enable the patient to express their needs and rights more effectively in other relationships.
Boundaries: Many patients have experienced prior relationships as controlling or abusive. Healing takes place as patients discover that riding occurs within the context of a respectful relationship between a rider and a horse, and that, although physically powerful, each horse typically operates within the boundaries of this mutually respectful relationship. Creative Freedom: Many persons with mental illness have been emotionally inhibited or over- controlled, and have lost some measure of spontaneity.
The playful aspects of riding and team equine activities can help restore spontaneity and ability for healthy recreation and play. Pounds of Lie Detector. Jennie Hegeman, an equine rehabilitation specialist as well as a professional horse trainer is another proponent of EAP for PTSD. Sakeada in treating children with physical, emotional and mental disabilities at the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah. Hegeman refers to horses as “1,2. Her role is to interpret the horse’s body language, such as flicking ears, wide eyes, or a dropped shoulder that will provide feedback for the therapist and the veteran.
Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). I have had a couple of ladies approach me about starting a program to educate and certify individuals interested in conducting equine assisted therapy programs. Benefits of Equine Therapy in Drug Rehab Treatment August 16, 2012 . Many individuals find. Has been a global authority, resource, and advocate for equine assisted activities and therapies since 1969. Facebook Twitter Blogger Linkedin Home About Us Programs Donate News & Media Blogs Contact Us Benefits Learn More view all. Children with autism benefit from equine therapy due to the motor, emotional, and sensory sensations that come with riding a horse. Stories of Hope Partner Organizations Our Programs Social Skills Camp Scholarship Program Holiday Gift Card Program.
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Quest Therapeutic Services About Services News Events Donate Now Contact Quest Outpatient Therapy Center in West Chester, PA. Equine Assisted Therapy Hippotherapy School Based Therapy Early Intervention Special Instruction Family-Centered. People who searched for Schools with Equine Physical Therapy Programs found the following information relevant and useful. Schools with Equine Physical Therapy Programs Students interested in equine physical therapy may pursue a Doctor of Veterinary.