Photo by Corbin Ellsaesser
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Equine
Facilitated Psychotherapy is an experiential treatment
approach involving unmounted and mounted horsemanship /
riding sessions. Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy is
provided by the synergistic team of the horse and the
therapeutic riding instructor, who is a licensed mental
health professional. In the barn setting, equine
facilitated therapeutic activities provide powerful tools
for building self-awareness, self-esteem, appropriate
boundaries and a sense of responsibility. Therapeutic
interactions incorporate the power of the horse, the
clinical skills of the therapist, and the hopes, dreams
and challenges of the person working with the horse. |
Clinical evidence suggests that
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy may be effective in treating:
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- Attention-deficit disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism
- Brain Injury
- Childhood abuse and neglect
- Conduct disorders
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Grief and loss
- Learning disorders
- Low self-esteem
- Memory impairment
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Sensory deficits
- Substance abuse
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Photo by Mark Muntean
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| Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy
can promote psychosocial healing and growth through: |
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- Improving self-esteem and
self-awareness
- Improving concentration and
focus
- Developing self-confidence
- Developing trust and respect
- Providing social skills training
- Encouraging sensory stimulation
and integration
- Encouraging responsibility
- Developing goal-setting skills
- Developing problem-solving
skills
- Developing patience and
frustration tolerance
- Improving communication skills
- Improving sequencing and
following directions
- Promoting pro-social attitudes
by learning to care for others.
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Photo by Mark Muntean
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| Additional benefits from
participating in a Therapeutic Horsemanship Program may include: |
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- Improved balance
- Improved coordination
- Increased muscle strength
- Improved gross and fine motor
control
- Improved visual/spatial
orientation
- Increased motor planning
- Increased flexibility and range
of motion in joints
- Increased postural control
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Photo by Mark Muntean
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Photo by Corbin Ellsaesser.
| Counseling and Psychotherapy for
the Equestrian Community is also available through DreamPower
Horsemanship. Help and hope is available if you want to |
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- Overcome fears and anxieties
- Successfully resolve conflicts
at home and at the barn
- Communicate more effectively
with you human and equine partner
- Overcome setbacks and
disappointments
- Learn how human and equine
relationships mirror each other
- Handle competition jitters more
effectively
- Learn how to set yourself and
your horse up for success
- Recover from an accident or
injury
- Relate successfully with a
partner who does not share your passion for horses
- Enjoy your sport again.
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Photo by Mark Muntean
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Sessions may be held in the office
or at the barn, depending on the client’s needs and preferences.
Office appointments are available in San Martin and San Francisco.
For more information on any of our
services please call
DreamPower Horsemanship at 408-686-0535. |
