Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

(EAP)

As the rest of the world moves toward implementing futuristic, impersonal ways of life, CCS, Inc., is reaching back to the past to identify and preserve evidence based strategies to help clients build a solid foundation for the future. We’ve identified techniques that have been remarkably successful, and come from the old frontier, rather than the "final frontier." 

One of these emerging techniques is the use of horses in activities that help people of all ages improve in areas such as problem solving, leadership, anger management, self discipline, interpersonal communication, and self confidence. 

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an emerging field in which horses are used to facilitate emotional growth and learning. EAP is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term, or "brief" approach.

EAP is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This approach has been compared to the ropes courses used by therapists, treatment facilities, and human development courses around the world. But EAP has the added advantage of utilizing horses--dynamic and powerful living beings.

Not all programs or individuals who use horses practice Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. For one, licensed clinical professionals need to be involved in these activites for them to be considered "psychotherapy." The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship. In fact, all of the EAP practiced at CCS, Inc., takes place on the ground.

Why Horses?

We are often asked, "Why horses? Why not other animals?"

Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for some clients to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of the horse are naturally intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life. 

Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals. They have defined roles within their herds. In most cases they would rather be with their peers.

Horses have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. An approach that seems to work with one horse, does not necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant. They like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning. Using metaphors, in discussion or activity, is an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individual and/or interpersonal problems.

Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Some clients have said things like "The horse is stubborn," or "The horse doesnt like me." However, after some time with the horse they quickly learn the that if they change themselves, the horses respond differently. This is especially helpful for couples who are focussing on changing their partner instead of working on themselves.

All said, the reason I've chosen to offer EAP in addition to traditional therapy is because it simply provides me with more options in both identifying and treating individual and relationship issues.

Please click here or call me at (404) 671-9371 to set up an appointment to participate in equine assisted psychotherapy. Please note, most insurance companies do not pay for these services. And, because of all that is involved in this approach to therapy, the sessions are longer and the cost is higher. These costs are as follows:

• 90 Minute Individual Session ($225)
  

• 90 Minute Couple Session ($275)
  

• 90 Minute Group Session (Please call)
  

ccs psychotherapy

EAP..."Never involves riding

horses. All activities are on

the ground."