Equine assisted therapy is an excellent way to combat anxiety. Equine-assisted therapy enables people with various conditions to better communicate with the horse and the instructor, while also challenging their automatic thoughts. People who suffer from anxiety often avoid activities that are challenging and outside of their comfort zones. During the sessions, they can choose an activity that is out of their comfort zone and discuss their feelings and thoughts with the therapist. People often avoid everyday activities because they are afraid of the stress or danger, which only serves to increase their anxiety.
The therapeutic aspects of equine therapy are numerous. In addition to riding horses, the therapy can involve other aspects of the patient’s life, such as the way they communicate with others, their ability to follow directions, and their ability to express their thoughts. The horse can be a helpful metaphor that enables therapists to help patients process issues that are relevant to their own lives. For example, a child with emotional problems may be struggling to discuss her feelings about a move. In response, the therapist might help the child find ways to make the animal comfortable and secure and then move forward.
Another benefit of equine therapy is the sense of accomplishment that participants feel when they accomplish something. In addition to the immediate feedback that participants get during the sessions, they learn how to communicate effectively with other people and reach their goals. In addition to these benefits, the treatment has also been shown to have a positive impact on a person’s safety. In the long run, equine assisted therapy is a promising treatment for mental health problems.
While dogs are often associated with helping people, horses can help those suffering from anxiety or depression. For example, clients may be afraid of large animals, or they may have traumatic memories that involve animals. Before starting a session, it is essential to talk with a mental health professional to be sure that it will work best for your situation. Most programs will have an assessment process that allows the client to determine the appropriate level of assistance.
Another benefit of equine-assisted therapy is that it is effective for a wide variety of populations. For instance, it can be used for counseling with individuals of all ages, as well as groups. Though it is rarely used as the primary treatment, it is often combined with traditional methods. For those who are resistant to talking therapy, equine-assisted therapy may be just as beneficial for children as it is for adults.
A horse’s quiet presence can be therapeutic. Horses are sensitive, attentive animals that respond to their masters’ physical movements and emotions. This feedback can be translated into feelings and actions that patients may not have experienced on their own. Similarly, they can improve self-confidence and self-esteem in patients. In addition, equine-assisted therapy can increase the amount of self-awareness a patient demonstrates.
