Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP): The use of the horse as a tool in a mental health treatment plan. The horse is used to mirror the client’s actions and reactions in an attempt to provide another avenue of working through difficulties in their everyday lives. We have seen the most success with this approach in children and families processing their interpersonal relationships with each other and identifying themselves with the horses. Our EAP program is used at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch with licensed therapists actively taking part in each session with their clients, who would normally have difficulty in the traditional office setting.
As a team, the therapist, horse professional, and the horse work with the clients to increase positive peer interactions, feelings of self-worth, concentration and decision-making skills, empathy, and self-awareness of the impact their behavior has on others. EAP is used to increase their abilities to control impulsive actions, to manage anxiety and stress, to resolve conflicts appropriately, and to discuss and process trauma. The sessions range in size from individual, to group (cottage), or to family. We currently are expanding this program to the community. We receive referrals from other mental health professionals, county social services, foster-children programs, and parents.
