EAGAL: Equine Assisted Growth and Learning
Beyond the Reins
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a specialized form of psychotherapy using the horse as a therapeutic tool. It incorporates horses experientially in therapy sessions for emotional growth and learning. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. It is a process where in horses “teach” participants about themselves and their patterns of interacting because horses mirror what a person is feeling and responds in a very literal manner to the messages the person is communicating. If the person is angry on the inside but showing everything is great on the outside, the horse will pick up on that. This model helps individuals to not only better understand themselves and others, but also to realize the reciprocal nature of interpersonal dynamics, to understand one’s own responsibility and control within those dynamics, and how to improve their own interpersonal effectiveness and relationship skills.
EAP is a collaborative effort between a Licensed Therapist and a Horse Professional working with people and horses to address treatment goals. The intensity and effectiveness of EAP makes it a "brief" approach (typically 2-16 sessions) that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups. Beyond the Reins targets a variety of mental health and human development needs including but not limited to:
Our Team is EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) Certified. Click above to learn about the members of the Beyond the Reins team.
Is located at Grandview Farms
4696 Maple Grove Rd., Bemus Point, NY 14712
For More Information,
visit:
www.throughthehorseseyes.org or www.hopeharborny.com
or contact:
Raquel Spears at 716-410-1673 Email: [email protected]
or
Dawn Samuelson at 716-386-2419 Email: [email protected]