Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Illinois

Equine-assisted psychotherapy Palatine, IL offers is sometimes referred to as EAP, EAT, or “equine therapy,” refers to activities with horses that are conducted while being supervised by a mental health professional who is also an equine specialist. Equine therapy has been used to treat anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, addiction, depression, and many other mental health conditions, and, in addition to targeting symptoms of those disorders, is theorized to help patients build confidence, self-awareness, and empathy. During an equine-assisted therapy session, the client will typically engage in basic care-taking activities with the horse with the help and direction of the therapist; common examples include grooming the animal, feeding it, and leading it around an enclosure. They may also take on more complex activities, such as creating a basic obstacle course for the horse and guiding them through it. (Riding the horse is not a part of this therapy.) The mental health professional and the client will usually discuss what occurred, what was learned, and what behaviors or emotions they might target moving forward. EAP is an evidence-based treatment that allows the client and therapist to incorporate the horse as a kind, calming, non judgmental mirror of themselves. Horses are especially attuned to humans’ emotions and nonverbal signals and they respond accordingly. Particularly patient, perceptive, and attuned to displays of fear, anger, agitation, and despair, horses are able to mirror human moods in a nonjudgmental way, without motive or expectations. As the person in therapy bonds with the horse, self-awareness grows and emotional healing often takes place.

Tonka – The Therapy Horse
Mein Liebling (My Darling in German, aka Tonka) is a roughly 11 year old Haflinger cross gelding. Tonka was rescued at the age of three from a kill pen auction in Pennsylvania. Little is known about Tonks’s background or even age prior to being rescued. Prior to finding his way to Emma in 2018, Tonka was trained as a dressage horse in New Jersey and spent his winters in Wellington Florida. Since joining Emma’s family in 2018, he has become a barn favorite, family pet, shown in dressage, western dressage, eventing, pleasure shows, drill team, and is now a therapy horse. Tonka’s favorite foods include bananas, apples, carrots, sugar cubes, and ice cream.

Emma Kane, Therapist
Emma has been riding and working with horses for nearly her entire life. Starting in grade school, Emma began riding lessons, quickly becoming share boarding and owning her own horses. She began working in a barn by the end of middle school and spending every spare second learning about and spending time with horses. Since then, Emma has fully emerged herself into the equestrian world, at times working multiple full-time jobs in the field. She has assistant managed a boarding and show facility, groomed and been a working student for various trainers local to Olympic level, competed successfully in hippology, horse bowl, and horse speech in 4H, been named United States Dressage Federation Youth Volunteer of the Year, competed successfully in multiple disciplines at local to world show levels, worked for a veterans organization specializing in working with horses, and is currently the Vice President for the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Association as well as a PM Delegate for the United States Dressage Federation. Emma is thrilled to be able to blend evidence-based therapeutic techniques while sharing her love of and healing power of horses with her clients.

Contact us today at Lotus Wellness Center to discuss your therapy options, like equine-assisted psychotherapy, and ask all of the questions you may have!

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy FAQs

Palatine Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is becoming an increasingly popular form of therapy. People often have questions about how it works, how to get started, and what to expect from the experience. Whether you’re looking to learn more about EAP or are considering the therapy for yourself or a loved one, these questions below will provide helpful information to get you started. Find out the most common questions we receive, and then contact Lotus Wellness Center for help.

Location of Equine-therapy sessions

Currently, equine-therapy sessions are held at Main Stay Therapeutic Farm in Richmond, Illinois.

What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a form of therapy that uses horses as a form of therapy. It is often used to help people with emotional, mental and behavioral issues, including anxiety, depression, anger management and trauma. The therapist will use the horse’s behavior and responses to help the patient gain insight into their own thoughts and behaviors. Through activities such as grooming, riding, and playing games with the horse, patients can learn about themselves and develop trust and confidence. The therapist will also offer support, guidance and feedback to the patient during these activities. This can be an extremely powerful and transformative experience for those who engage in EAP.

How Does It Work?

It works by allowing clients to interact with horses in a safe and structured environment. Through various activities, the horse helps the client become aware of their thoughts, feelings and behavior. This can include activities such as grooming, leading, and riding. The therapist works alongside the horse and client to help them identify how their thoughts, feelings and behavior affect each other, as well as how their interactions with the horse can be used to create change in themselves. During the session, the therapist provides guidance to help the client explore their feelings and develop strategies for managing them.

Who Can Benefit from It?

Palatine Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a therapeutic intervention that can benefit individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It has been used to effectively treat a range of psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. EAP can help individuals gain insight into their behavior, relationships, and emotions by engaging in activities with horses. Working with horses gives individuals the opportunity to build skills such as problem solving, communication, empathy, and trust. By engaging in activities with horses, individuals are able to learn more about themselves and gain a greater sense of confidence and self-awareness.

What Are the Risks?

EAP is a safe and non-invasive form of therapy, but as with any animal-assisted activities there are some inherent risks. For example, if proper safety protocols are not followed, there is the risk of falls or being kicked or bitten by the horse. Also, some people may experience distress when interacting with animals and can be overwhelmed by the emotions that arise. To reduce the risk of injury or emotional distress, it is important to work with a trained professional who can provide guidance and support. By following safety protocols and working with an experienced practitioner, the risks of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy can be minimized.

How Much Does It Cost?

Cost depends on your certain situation and how many sessions are needed. To get a better idea of the cost for Palatine Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, contact Lotus Wellness Center today for more information.

5 Benefits Of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy 

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an innovative form of therapy that involves interactions between patients and horses. This approach has been gaining attention for its effectiveness in enhancing emotional healing and personal growth. The therapy takes place in a serene, natural setting, typically at a farm or ranch, where therapists and equine specialists work together to create a unique and transformative experience for individuals, groups, and families. Lotus Wellness Center provides beautiful Illinois Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for their clients and would be more than happy to speak with you more about the benefits. In the meantime, here are five known benefits of this kind of therapy. 

Harnessing The Power Of Equine Interaction

The core of this therapy lies in the interactions between the patient and the horse. Horses, with their acute sensitivity and non-judgmental nature, provide immediate feedback and react to the emotional state of the participants. This dynamic allows individuals to gain insight into their behavior and emotional state. Engaging with these majestic animals helps in building self-confidence, developing trust, and improving communication skills. The hands-on approach in this environment contributes significantly to the healing process. 

 Enhancing Emotional Awareness And Growth

One of the key benefits of this therapy is the enhancement of emotional awareness and personal growth. Through activities like grooming, feeding, and leading a horse, participants learn to understand and regulate their emotions. The horses act as mirrors, reflecting the internal emotional state of the individual, which aids in self-discovery and emotional growth. This aspect of the therapy is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with expressing or understanding their emotions.

Building Resilience And Self-Esteem

Participants often experience a profound sense of achievement as they learn to interact and communicate with the horses. This achievement is instrumental in building resilience and boosting self-esteem. Overcoming challenges during the sessions, such as leading a horse through an obstacle course, translates to increased confidence in handling real-life challenges. The sense of accomplishment and the skills learned in these sessions have long-lasting impacts on the individual’s life. Illinois Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is life-changing and should be considered by people who want to try a unique type of therapy that will help enhance their life. 

Strengthening Relationships And Social Skills

This therapy also plays a crucial role in improving social skills and relationship-building. By working in groups, participants learn the importance of trust, respect, and empathy. The cooperative nature of the activities encourages teamwork and communication, skills that are transferable to personal and professional relationships. This aspect of the therapy is especially beneficial for those who face challenges in social settings or who are looking to improve their interpersonal skills.

Promoting Relaxation And Reducing Stress

The natural setting of the therapy sessions offers a calming and peaceful environment, which is conducive to relaxation and stress reduction. The presence of horses and the outdoor environment contribute to a sense of well-being and tranquility. This aspect of the therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, or depression.

Reach Out Today

Illinois Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a powerful and transformative approach to emotional and personal growth. It offers a unique opportunity for individuals to explore and overcome personal challenges in a supportive, natural environment. For those seeking a path to healing and self-discovery, this therapy provides a valuable and enriching experience. We invite you to explore this journey for yourself and discover the profound impact it can have on your life. Embrace the opportunity to grow, heal, and transform with the guidance of these magnificent animals. Contact Lotus Wellness Center today to set up your first appointment. We look forward to hearing from you! 

5 Situations Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Can Assist With

Our Illinois equine-assisted therapy, a pioneering approach to healing and personal growth, harnesses the unique bond between humans and horses to assist with a variety of conditions and situations. Listed below are just five of the many ways that equine-assisted psychotherapy can assist our clients. To discover if equine-assisted psychotherapy is right for you, contact the Lotus Wellness Center today.

Enhancing Emotional Awareness And Regulation

Individuals grappling with emotional dysregulation or a lack of awareness can find solace and understanding through the intuitive nature of horses. These majestic animals reflect our emotions in their behavior, offering a mirror that helps participants recognize and adjust their emotional responses. The non-judgmental environment fostered in our IL equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions encourages clients to explore and express their feelings freely, fostering a deeper connection with their emotional selves.

Managing Anxiety And Stress

The serene setting of equine therapy, combined with the rhythmic movements of horseback riding, can act as a powerful antidote to anxiety and stress. Participants often report a sense of calm and presence while engaging with horses, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress significantly. Our equine-assisted psychotherapy programs are designed to provide a peaceful escape, helping individuals find a tranquil mind amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Aiding In Recovery From Trauma

The gentle nature of horses combined with their ability to sense and respond to human emotions makes equine therapy an effective tool for trauma recovery. The safe and controlled environment allows individuals to process traumatic experiences without the pressure of traditional talk therapy. Engaging in activities with horses can help re-establish trust, reduce symptoms of PTSD, and assist in the emotional healing process.

Supporting Substance Abuse Recovery

Recovery from substance abuse is a multifaceted journey that benefits from the incorporation of holistic therapeutic approaches. Our IL equine-assisted psychotherapy offers a unique form of support, fostering a sense of responsibility, self-reflection, and emotional healing. The non-verbal communication and care involved in working with horses can help individuals in recovery develop healthier coping mechanisms, rebuild trust, and establish a new focus in life devoid of substance dependence.

Addressing Chronic Pain Management

Living with chronic pain can be both physically and emotionally debilitating. Our equine-assisted psychotherapy services offer a unique avenue for managing this condition. The gentle movement of horseback riding can improve mobility and physical strength, while the therapeutic relationship with the horse provides psychological benefits that can help in coping with pain. The holistic nature of equine therapy aids in reducing stress and anxiety, which are often linked with chronic pain, promoting a greater sense of physical and emotional ease.

Discover How Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Can Assist You

We are proud to offer equine-assisted psychotherapy services to Illinois’ northwest suburbs, including Palatine, Barrington, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Hoffman Estates, Lake Zurich, and more. Our team believes in the profound impact that equine-assisted psychotherapy can have on the lives of those we serve. If you or a loved one could benefit from this unique form of therapy, we encourage you to reach out to us. Discover the path to healing and growth with the compassionate guidance of our equine therapy programs. Contact the Lotus Wellness Center today to discover how we can assist you.