We use the EAGALA Model
Equinola has partnered with Circle L Ranch to use the EAGALA model of Equine Assisted Therapy. Founded in 1999, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is the leading international nonprofit association for professionals using equine therapy (horse therapy) to address mental health and human development needs. Our vision is that every person worldwide will have access to these services known as Equine Assisted Growth and Learning. With this there is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), and Equine Assisted Learning, (EAL).
WHAT IS IT
What is Equine Assisted Therapy?
Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is the discipline of using non-riding horses to provide metaphoric experiences to promote emotional growth. Equine therapy adds the dynamic of another living, perspective being with its own personality, moods, behavior and communication. This enriches the therapeutic experience.
Equine therapy is a highly effective, credible and internationally recognized method for helping people address issues which are preventing them from making progress in their lives. It is used for a wide variety of problems, from PTSD to Relationship difficulties. It provides a hands-on approach that challenges individuals to look at themselves and the world around them in a new way.
THE PROCESS
What happens in Equine Assisted Therapy?
EAP brings people together with horses in sessions managed by a qualified psychotherapist and a certified horse professional. Clients attend either as individuals or in groups, depending on the circumstances. Typically, a client will require 6 to 8 one-hour sessions, perhaps once a week. EAP is a short-term intervention; for most clients, just one block of sessions will be enough.
ABOUT EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY
What and Who is the therapy for?
- Combat-PTSD
- Preventative care for at risk youth
- Addictions
- The effects of personal abuse (sexual, physical, emotional)
- Family situations & relationships
- Transition difficulties
- Mental-health issues
- Eating disorders
- Long-term physical illness & conditions
- Young offenders & probationers
- Bullying in the community
- Restorative justice
- Unemployment
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Clients Say
“The family therapy was straight forward. Louise’s approach supports her philosophy of “brief therapy” in that if you engage in the process, and follow the recommendations for “homework” outside of therapy sessions, you see rapid and positive change. She doesn’t take sides when it comes to family therapy. We are now communicating much better in our family.”
“I was skeptical about going for EMDR. It sounded weird but seeing how another guy at the base improved by going, made me give it a try and it surprised me. I can now talk about my trauma without having to relive it. Just the freedom from nightmares and flashbacks alone has made it more than worthwhile.”
“Being in a different kind of therapy environment with the horses allowed me to move toward my wife in a different kind of more positive way. I moved in and out of the space with my wife and the horses and explored the effects of this. I felt compassion and hope in there.”
HOW IT WORKS
Why does this technique use horses?
Horses are empathic animals that can mirror our emotions and teach us about power and boundaries, whilst connecting us to what lies hidden within ourselves. This innate mirroring provides an opportunity for us to change behavior and witness immediate responses. As a herd, often based around the family system, horses survival depends on positive relationships and good communication. As a result, horses are remarkably intuitive, and can read human moods and intentions very accurately through body language, energy and emotion.
The way horses respond to clients provides crucial insights into the client’s own emotions, attitudes and behaviors, and therefore give vital clues as to how to bring about effective change. Most significantly, the clients can achieve this understanding for themselves.
The work is experiential in nature, so you can learn by participating in activities with the horses then processing the feelings afterwards.
EAP is a non-riding experience and open to anyone with or without horse experience.
