Addiction is a challenging phase of life that can cause many problems. However, there are various treatments and therapies to help you recover from your addiction. Equine therapy is one such therapy that has gained popularity over the last few years. It has several benefits to offer and can be used for children and adults. Read this blog to know about equine therapy in detail.
What is equine therapy?
It is psychotherapy that incorporates horses in the therapy process. You engage in activities like feeding, grooming, and leading a horse under the supervision of a therapist. It will help you develop skills like self-confidence, responsibility, and emotional regulation. However, you may feel a bit intimidated to have an animal participate in your therapy sessions.
Equine therapy is gaining popularity because of the approach and the positive results associated with it.
Who is it for?
A variety of people can opt for Equine Therapy. Therapists use horses for individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. They often use equine therapy as a complementary therapeutic service along with traditional treatment.
The therapy brings people outdoors, allowing them to use all senses while dealing with their emotional challenges.
Equine therapy for children and teens
Even children can experience problems like anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD. Equine therapy is as beneficial for children as it is for adults. It will offer them a therapeutic environment that would be less threatening and more comforting than a traditional therapy session.
Children may find it difficult to process their emotions and open up about them. The therapy will allow them to work on several issues like confidence, empathy, and social skills. Children between the ages of 6 to 18 years can participate in it.
Benefits
Equine therapy has the following benefits to offer:
- Non-judgmental and unbiased- Therapists do their best to provide you a safe space to share your emotionally painful experiences and explore them. However, it can still be uncomfortable for you to open up about them. Having the horse present will create a peaceful environment as they would only react to your emotions without being judgemental about your past.
- Feedback and mirroring– Horses are excellent observers and sensitive to emotion and movement. They can mirror your emotions or behavior, building a connection and making you feel safe. Throughout the therapy, you must also be aware and take the horse’s behavior towards you as feedback and process the present.
- Managing vulnerability– You may get vulnerable while sharing your emotional challenges and experiences. In equine therapy, the horse can help you process everything by acting as a reference point. It can be easy for you to align your experience with the horse’s experience, allowing you to approach your emotions in a better way.
- Empathy- You will have to feed, water, and groom the horse, which can be therapeutic. It will help you develop a structure and routine. Plus, nurturing someone/something helps build empathy and care.
About Magnolia Ranch Recovery
There are several treatment and therapy programs to treat addiction. Equine therapy is one of them. If you also wish to enroll yourself in Equine Therapy, get in touch with Magnolia Ranch Recovery. We are a top-rated drug and alcohol treatment center. We are known for our professionalism and tailored treatment plans. Contact us at 888-992-7955, connect through email at info@magnoliaranchrecovery.com, or fill the contact form for more information about us.
