Veterans Therapy Haven Program Design:
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is proven to be an effective intervention for those with emotional and mental health challenges. The horses that are used in a therapeutic program provide an opportunity for the veteran to confront fear, resolve conflict, promote creative problem solving, to build effective team skills and foster personal resiliency.
The unique style of EAP is not representative of the traditional ‘sit and talk’ mental therapy that is uncomfortable for many therefore avoided by those who truly need the help.
The horses we use act as the therapist by responding to body language of the veteran, which means that the veteran could ’say’ they feel a certain way, yet their body language may reveal emotions of an entirely different scope. Horses naturally sense this and mirror and reflect a veteran's emotional state.
The unique style of EAP is not representative of the traditional ‘sit and talk’ mental therapy that is uncomfortable for many therefore avoided by those who truly need the help.
The horses we use act as the therapist by responding to body language of the veteran, which means that the veteran could ’say’ they feel a certain way, yet their body language may reveal emotions of an entirely different scope. Horses naturally sense this and mirror and reflect a veteran's emotional state.
During the interaction with the horses, the veteran will engage in specific activities in a safe enclosed space, designed to open the door for thoughts, emotions and internal struggles enabling them to learn about themselves and allowing them to experience ‘break-throughs’.
Meanwhile the mental health professional, is able to identify the core issues. Discussing metaphors, feelings, behaviors and patterns within their own context following these activities.
As the veterans learn more about themselves through this experience, opportunities are offered to practice and refine new coping skills. This in particular varies from traditional psychotherapies where the application of new skills and insights are practiced after a therapy session without the guidance of a professional.
EAP is extremely effective but intense and therefore considered a short-term therapy. It provided opportunities for emotional release and resolution and can be incorporated into a preexisting treatment plan. Since the EAP therapy is in a ‘non-clinical’ environment it naturally breaks down barriers of labels, judgments, stigma and resistance.
Meanwhile the mental health professional, is able to identify the core issues. Discussing metaphors, feelings, behaviors and patterns within their own context following these activities.
As the veterans learn more about themselves through this experience, opportunities are offered to practice and refine new coping skills. This in particular varies from traditional psychotherapies where the application of new skills and insights are practiced after a therapy session without the guidance of a professional.
EAP is extremely effective but intense and therefore considered a short-term therapy. It provided opportunities for emotional release and resolution and can be incorporated into a preexisting treatment plan. Since the EAP therapy is in a ‘non-clinical’ environment it naturally breaks down barriers of labels, judgments, stigma and resistance.
