Is Equine Therapy For Anxiety Near Me Right For You?
Horses are a favorite among therapists due to their natural instincts, communication abilities and empathy. This makes them an excellent therapy partner and beneficial addition to traditional talk therapies.
When someone is suffering from mental health issues, they often seek different methods to cope with their symptoms. Medication, exercise, counseling or other types of psychotherapy may be recommended; alternative treatments like meditation, acupuncture, yoga or massage therapy may also be explored.
Some people even find solace through natural activities like hiking or camping – this is known as nature therapy or solitary retreat therapy.
Equine therapy is a type of therapeutic work with animals in an enclosed setting, such as an equine center or farm. Activities may include riding horses, grooming them, and engaging with them emotionally.
A 2018 study demonstrated the effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy in treating anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. Participants reported short-term improvements in their symptoms as well as happiness and quality of life. Furthermore, participants experienced decreased PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance, avoidance of people or things, insomnia/restlessness, irritability, changes in mood or thinking patterns and reliving the traumatic event.
Equiine therapy has the greatest healing power for those suffering from anxiety. It teaches them new skills, boosts self-esteem, reduces depression and isolation, and builds confidence.
As a therapist, I often hear stories from clients who struggle with social anxiety or fear related to an event. These individuals tend to dwell on what could happen in the future or what they did in the past, which can be detrimental for their recovery and cause them to withdraw from present moments.
Equine-assisted therapy offers clients the unique opportunity to be present and focus on what’s happening right now, providing them with a chance to break free of this cycle and progress in their life. It offers them the chance to break through this pattern and move forward.
Interacting calmly and non-reactively with a horse helps develop emotional awareness, impulse regulation, self-control, and cooperation. It’s an effective treatment for depression, irritability, impulsivity, anger, and aggression.
Additionally, therapy gives both therapist and client real-time feedback on their behavior and emotions, enabling them to communicate more effectively and work through issues more quickly.
If you are interested in equine-assisted psychotherapy, your therapist can direct you to programs nearby that offer this specialized form of therapy. Many therapists are trained and have hands-on experience working with horses in mental health settings.
Start your search for a veterinary therapy therapist by checking out the Veterinary Therapy Association, which offers resources and support to therapists. Their online resource library contains details about various animal-assisted therapies, such as equine therapy.
