Equine Interaction

No matter the model of psychotherapy or learning, the health and welfare of both the horse and the human is essential. Honest and regulated interactions are created together as a partnership.

Equine Assisted Learning & Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is similar to Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) but the focus is on learning or educational goals and is not psychotherapy.

EAL often involves a mental health professional as well as an equine specialist working together with clients and equine. The focus however is on education and learning specific skills as defined by the individual or group, such as improved product sales for a company, leadership skills for a school group, or resiliency training for our military warriors.

Both (EAP) and (EAL) can be effective modalities for individuals, couples, families and groups. However, some of the popular EAL groups are:

Engaging and Experiential Sessions
Corporate Workshops
Educational & Social Outings

EAGALA Model

The EAGALA model is based on four tenets:

activities are ground-based (non-mounted)
sessions are facilitated by a team including a qualified equine specialist, a licensed mental health professional and horses
solution-oriented programs
adhere to a code of ethics

When using the EAGALA model, I work as part of a team with Robin Risso, LMFT along with our four legged professionals! Watch a demonstration of the EAGALA Model.

The Equilateral Model

The Equilateral Model or Equine Assisted EMDR is the only EMDRIA Approved Equine-Assisted Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Protocol. It is an innovative integration of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and EMDR. Equine Assisted EMDR uses the horse as a co-facilitator during the therapy session.

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a comprehensive, research based & integrative treatment approach which has been in clinical practice for more than 20 years. EMDR is effective for resolving emotional difficulties caused by disturbing life experiences.

Integrated Therapy Models

Additional models are often used in the presence of horses including but not limited to: Internal Family Systems, CBT, DBT, Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, Deep Brain Reorienting, Narrative, Family Systems, Expressive Therapy, and Mindfulness.

Contact me to inquire or schedule a session.

Getting Unstuck~ Working Together with Other Clinicians

If you are a clinician and have a client that may need assistance overcoming a barrier, EAP can help. Equine interaction activities are based on the ground with no riding involved. Clients will process their experiences along with the feelings, emotions, behaviors and patterns that appear during the session. As a result, clients are better able to quickly recognize their behavioral patterns. Furthermore, upon adapting and creating new responses, clients experience immediate results in the form of reactions, feedback, and natural consequences that the horse(s) present in session. In addition, clients are able to “take the experience away with them” to later reference and reflect upon.

There are multiple organizations that train and/or certify skilled licensed healthcare professionals interested in the field of equine interaction. The most well-known are: Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, American Hippotherapy Association, PATH International-NARHA/EFMHA, the University of Denver Institute for Human-Animal Connection, International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations, and the Certification Board for Equine Interaction Professionals.

Certification Board for Equine Interaction Professionals

The Certification Board for Equine Interaction Professionals (CBEIP) promotes voluntary, independent certification by examination and verification of professional experience for those who incorporate equines into their mental health or education/coaching practice. The Certified Equine Interaction Professional (CEIP) credential indicates verification of extensive professional experience and independent assessment of knowledge in the field of equine interaction services. The certification is currently the highest level of competency assessment offered for equine interaction professionals in the U.S. and Canada.

As a Certified Equine Interaction Mental Health Professional, I abide the CBEIP Values & Code of Ethics.