Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a therapeutic approach that utilizes interactions with horses to address emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges in individuals. In EAP sessions, participants engage in various activities with horses, facilitated by trained mental health professionals (ACA Registered Counsellors) who are also equine specialists, supported by trained Equine Therapy Assistants.
How it works:
During EAP sessions, participants engage in activities such as grooming, leading, or obstacle courses with horses. These activities are carefully designed to promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, communication skills, and trust-building. Horses, as highly perceptive and non-judgmental animals, provide immediate feedback to participants’ actions and emotions, which can lead to therapeutic insights and goal progression. The therapeutic process is guided by trained professionals who help participants process their experiences, emotions, and insights gained from interacting with the horses.
Our trained Equine Therapy Assistants are there to ensure the smooth and safe delivery of sessions, providing assistance to the Practitioner, managing other interested (but not invited!) herd members, or just observing from afar to allow the client / therapist relationship to blossom authentically.
Benefits:
- EAP can be effective in addressing a wide range of mental health issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, Autism, PTSD, ADHD, and behavioral disorders.
- It offers a unique and engaging therapeutic experience that appeals to individuals who may be resistant to traditional talk therapy.
- Interacting with horses in a natural outdoor setting promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being.
- EAP fosters the development of essential life skills such as empathy, assertiveness, boundaries, and problem-solving.
- The bond formed between participants and horses can be healing, providing a sense of connection, trust, and emotional support.
EAP vs Traditional Therapy methods:
- EAP offers a hands-on, experiential approach to therapy, allowing participants to learn and grow through direct interactions with horses.
- The presence of horses as co-facilitators in therapy sessions adds a dynamic and unpredictable element, leading to spontaneous insights and therapeutic opportunities.
- EAP emphasizes the importance of non-verbal communication, body language, and intuition, enhancing emotional awareness and interpersonal skills.
- The natural outdoor environment of EAP settings promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and connection with nature, which can enhance the therapeutic process.
Please register your interest for our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in Canberra, or request further information using the form below.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Enquiry
Pricing
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Fee List | ||
Type | Cost | Notes |
1 Horse Wisdom Session | $212.32 | Per Client / Per Hour |
Equine Assisted Therapy Report* | Usually between 1 – 3 hours | |
*Reports are optional, we charge $156.16 per hour or part thereof to nearest 5 mins to compile these. | ||
Examples of full program fees: 3 Session Horse Wisdom Program $636.96 7 Session Horse Wisdom Program $1486.24 (Fees stated apply from March 2024) |
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Location
Our therapy services are provided at the following address, pinned on the map below:
Belconnen Pony Club, Parkwood Road, Macgregor, ACT, 2617
EAT Location
EAT Location
Meet the Herd and Co-Therapists!
Smiley
A 19-year-old Arabian gelding, adores people and thinks he’s one of them. He’s incredibly friendly, loves cuddles, and enjoys obstacle courses with his human companions.
Squishy
A 4-year-old Arabian gelding, is the playful baby of the herd. He craves attention, especially from children, and enjoys stealing hats for fun while relishing cuddles and treats.
Maya
Maya, 9-year-old brown Waler, is a sweet and gentle mare who adores treats, particularly carrots and apples. Despite past mistreatment, she’s become trusting and reliant on her human companions for comfort and guidance.
Misha
Misha, 19-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred cross Quarter Horse, is a loving companion who can be a bit bossy with other horses but is gentle and affectionate with people. He’s known for his dexterity with his mouth and has a mischievous streak, yet remains trustworthy and confidence-boosting for riders.
Oscar
Oscar, 25 years old, is a funny, affectionate, silly old man. He has retired from racing to enjoy his golden years. He loves people and does a great impression of mister edd when he sees a feed bucket.
Mali
Mali, 9 years old is a beautiful, strong willed independent woman. Mali is a loveable girl who will call out to you in the paddock and give you a scratch back while you groom her. Her favourite activity is eating WAY too much food and bossing her boyfriend around.
Spirit
Spirit, a charming and chatty gentleman is 23-24 years old who adores carrots, his girlfriend Mali, and savoring dinner. A retired racehorse, he once thundered on the track, though built more for feasting than speed.
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About Us
At House on the Hill – Paediatric Therapy Services in Canberra – we provide a comprehensive therapy service that empowers your child to reach their full potential. Our treatment programs focus on your child’s strengths and interests to deliver the best possible outcome for them and your family.
Our Services
Contact
Level D, The Health Hub (Building 28), Ginninderra Dr & Allawoona St, Bruce, ACT, 2617 (Clinical Services)
5 O'Hagan Street, Latham, ACT, 2615 (Clinical Services)
Belconnen Pony Club, Parkwood Road, Macgregor, ACT, 2617 (Animal and Nature Therapy Services)
Tel: 0497 902 173
Acknowledgement of Country
We wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the Ngunnawal people. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region. We also acknowledge all other First Nations Peoples on whose land we operate.