What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a treatment modality that incorporates horses in a therapy session. We use a team-based approach. Sessions are conducted by a facilitating team (treatment team) of a Licensed Mental Health Professional (MH), a qualified Equine Specialist (ES) with horses in all the client’s sessions. While both members of the team are involved in the therapy process, the role of the ES is to oversee physical safety needs and provide observations on the behaviors of the horses. The MH is there to oversee the psychotherapy process and help the client make the parallels of the horse observations to therapy goals and life. The horse is also part of our team, because they are an expert at being a horse. We believe that the client has the best answer for themselves somewhere deep inside and our job is to help figure out what that might look like. It is all ground based- so no horse back riding and it is solution focused. The client creates a task or we give a task to the client and then she goes out and has an experience with the horses. We enter into a metaphorical space where the client can tell their story and find their solutions in a safe and non-judgmental environment. We are not the experts, we are here to hold space for the client to find their own solution, so we can refer back to it if/when they turn to us for answers. We use symbolism and metaphors and then parallel that to whatever is going on in the client’s life.
We use horses because they are prey animals- always on the lookout for danger. They give immediate feedback and will mirror whatever is going on in our own lives. We have 3 basic rules: dress for the weather, wear closed toed shoes, and we trust that you will keep yourself safe. The horses will do what they need to do to keep themselves safe and we ask that you do the same. We also ask that you give it 3 sessions before deciding it definitely is not for you. We also tell whoever brings the client that if they want to talk about it, that’s great, if not- that’s fine too. If they do talk about it, approach with curiosity and refrain from telling them how to do things or how things should be.
Tasks can be as simple as “observe what they are doing”, to exploring relationships, moving them, or create something (like an obstacle course or a safe place). We start where the client is, and usually that is with observe or notice the horses, then move to feeling comfortable in the space with developing relationships with the horses.
What is Adventure! Therapy
At Harmony Farm, we offer a unique therapeutic service that combines adventure and evidence-based therapy to enhance your well-being. Our experiential therapy sessions are led by a team of professionals, including a Licensed Mental Health Professional and a qualified Experiential Specialist. The Experiential Specialist oversees the physical aspects of activities, while the therapist guides the therapy process to help clients relate the activities to their therapeutic goals and life experiences.
We believe that clients hold the answers within themselves, and our role is to help them discover those solutions in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Through experiential activities, we create metaphorical spaces where clients can explore and find their own solutions, tailored to their specific needs for optimal growth.
Our interactive approach allows us to observe client concerns in real-time, providing guidance and pointing back to the activities for future reference. Our ultimate goal is to challenge clients in alignment with their treatment objectives, providing support and empowerment as they overcome challenges using the tools gained through their therapeutic journey.
We utilize a variety of initiatives and activities, both indoors and outdoors, with or without props, including our "low ropes" elements, to enhance the therapeutic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who leads the activities?
One of our therapists along with our experiential specialists will be present to facilitate the needs of the participants. Our Experiential Specialists are there for safety measures and to facilitate all activities while the therapist is there to provide therapeutic skills and empathy during the process.
What do individuals do for Adventure Therapy?
You will work with the therapist and experiential specialist as they facilitate activities that fit your primary needs. These may range from physically challenging activities to games that engage your mind. The experiential specialist will be there to guide you through activities and ensure safety while the therapist will guide you therapeutically and provide support.
What do we do as a family for Adventure Therapy?
You will engage with the therapist and experiential specialist in team-building activities. For example, your family might find themselves on our large balancing board, where each family member must work together to maintain balance. Our team will work with your family on the specific needs you have and utilize such activities to promote growth in your family dynamic.
Where are services provided?
We have a large activities area on site that is perfect for families of all sizes. We will conduct most of our sessions there along with occasional indoor sessions located in our large barn when the weather isn’t as suitable.
How long do sessions last?
Sessions can last from one hour to a half-day experience depending on the needs and capabilities of the participants.
Payment options
We accept Medicaid, Commercial insurance, and Private Pay (See our accepted insurance page). For a final price, a custom quote will be provided based on the level of activities and needs of the participants.
