Equine Assisted CBT Counselling offers a unique and nurturing approach to therapy. Horses, like humans, are social animals that seek safety, protection, and comfort within their herd or family. This shared need for connection makes them wonderful partners in therapy.
Horses and humans both have complex brain structures, including the amygdala and hypothalamus, and share key brain hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin. Positive social interactions trigger the release of dopamine, our “feel-good” hormone, enhancing our mood and well-being.
Therapeutic Benefits
Equine therapy has been shown to improve mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase self-esteem.
Physical Benefits
Equine therapy can improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength, as well as reduce pain and inflammation.
Emotional Benefits
Equine therapy can help individuals develop empathy, trust, and communication skills, as well as improve mood and emotional regulation.
Social Benefits
Equine therapy can improve social skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities, as well as foster a sense of community and belonging.
Although humans are predators and horses are prey, these differences create a unique dynamic in therapy. Horses are incredibly perceptive, adept at reading body language, and responding to human emotions. They offer physical comfort and support, naturally moving closer when they sense tension.
The bond between humans and horses is profound, with documented evidence of emotional transference. Horses can sense and reflect human emotions, offering valuable insights into our own feelings. Their inability to hide emotions makes them excellent mirrors for our emotional state.
In therapy, these gentle creatures help clients feel less anxious and more open. They facilitate a deeper connection between the client and counsellor, helping to build rapport and trust. The presence of a horse can ground clients, making them more receptive to the therapeutic process.
Activities like stroking or grooming a horse can reduce stress hormones, providing physiological benefits. During these sessions, clients express themselves verbally to the counsellor and non-verbally through touch with the horse. This dual expression can deepen the therapeutic impact, helping clients to self-soothe, regulate emotions, and process thoughts more effectively.
For those who have struggled with traditional therapy methods, the novelty and comfort of equine-assisted therapy can break down barriers, increasing motivation and engagement. This innovative approach to counselling offers a compassionate and effective path to healing and self-discovery.
