Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working with patients and horses to address treatment goals.
It has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health and human development needs. These include behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, anger management, conflict resolution, relationship problems and communications.
Individuals learn about themselves by participating in activities with horses and then discussing feelings, behaviors and patterns. Horses are social animals, with distinct personalities, attitudes and moods. Working with them and caring for them requires effort. Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them.
We believe that through the process of building relationships with animals and the natural environment, an individual can come to know themselves, better. Additionally, this process allows individuals to develop and improve communication with others and to manage the expression of feelings with greater clarity.
At COPAC, the values that are important to us include:
- the safety of all participants, human and animal
- respect for all
- the courage to try new things without judging the outcome
- cooperation and negotiation with others
- personal growth and learning
- balancing consistency and flexibility
- responsibility
Goals:
It is important to us that we provide a safe environment in which to:
- discover and nurture strengths, interests and talents
- support effort toward change
- establish consistent and stable relationships
- improve interpersonal skills
- enhance self-worth and empowerment
- identify and develop individual learning styles
- gain knowledge, communication and coping skills through EAP
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