22/06/2025
Equine-assisted therapy, as practiced at Equine Assisted Therapy Australia, is a form of experiential mental health therapy that incorporates interactions with horses into the therapeutic process. It is facilitated by qualified mental health professionals, such as counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapists, mental health social workers and occupational therapists who integrate established therapeutic approaches with equine interactions.
đ´đWhat Does This Therapy Provide for the Client?
The specific benefits depend on the clientâs individual needs, but equine-assisted therapy can help with:
â¨Emotional Regulation â Many clients, including those with depression, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation, benefit from working with horses due to the animalsâ ability to respond to human emotions in the moment. This allows for real-time feedback and opportunities for developing emotional awareness and regulation.
â¨Increased Self-Awareness & Confidence â Horses respond authentically to human behaviour, providing clients with non-judgmental feedback that fosters awareness, self-reflection and personal growth.
â¨Improved Communication & Social Skills â Clients learn how their body language, tone, and presence affect the horse, which can be directly translated into improving relationships and social interactions.
â¨Somatic (Body-Based) Therapy â For individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions through words, working with horses provides a physical and sensory-based therapeutic experience, helping clients process trauma and stress in a way that traditional talk therapy may not.
â¨Mindfulness & Stress Reduction â Being with horses promotes present-moment awareness, a key component of mindfulness, which is beneficial for reducing anxiety and stress.
