Equine Therapy for Addiction
When people think of addiction therapy, they may think of small group discussions or individual therapy sessions. But comprehensive healing requires much more than that. Holistic therapy modalities are paving the way for a new perspective on healing from drug or alcohol addiction.
Working with horses can foster emotional and spiritual healing, which can support good treatment outcomes. Equine-assisted therapy, involving hands-on activities like grooming or goal-oriented tasks, is a prime example of holistic therapy that can help people heal in a comprehensive way, promoting equine assisted growth. We at Cypress Recovery implement equine therapy because horses can easily make connections with humans. Through working with these majestic creatures, people can work on healing from the inside out. This sets them up so they’re better able to start a new life of sobriety.
Definition of Equine Therapy
Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy (EAT), is a form of experiential therapy that uses horses as a tool for emotional growth, healing, and personal development. The principles of equine therapy are based on the idea that horses can provide a unique and powerful catalyst for change, helping individuals to overcome emotional and mental distress, and develop new skills and perspectives.
Equine therapy was first used in America during the 1940s, initially to help the victims of polio, and has since evolved to be used for treatment for conditions like substance abuse addiction. Today, it’s often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication-assisted treatment. This provides a comprehensive approach to addiction and dual diagnosis treatment.
The Benefits of Equine Therapy for Mental Health Issues
At Cypress Lake Recovery, we treat a variety of addictions from alcohol, substance abuse, and prescription drugs. Our equine therapy program is designed to address addiction and mental health disorders by engaging clients in self-regulation practices that enhance cognitive processing, emotional regulation, and emotional insight. Addiction and dependency can alter social skills, mental health, and physical health.
Equine therapy sessions can include building relationships with horses, setting specific therapeutic goals, and incorporating traditional therapeutic methods to enhance the person’s emotional and spiritual healing. This can support the development of skills to help support rebuilding relationships and help to set goals in life.
An equine therapy session can be more than learning how to ride a horse. Equine therapy can include setting goals with the horse such as leading, handling, as well as riding. It’s also about creating a relationship with the horse and learning to communicate with a being that doesn’t 100% understand you. It also takes some time to build trust between a person and the horse.
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How Does Equine Therapy Help in Addiction Treatment Recovery?
The mind-body connection can be integral to developing healthy coping mechanisms. Equine therapy is often used in the treatment of:
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- ADD/ADHD
- Depression
- Autism
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If someone is suffering from a dual diagnosis, equine-assisted therapy can support the person learning healthy coping mechanisms for both conditions. Horses are adept at detecting anxiety or uncertainty. This form of therapy can be complementary to behavioral therapy, as it helps individuals manage their anxiety in the moment and set goals. It can also boost self-confidence to develop a bond with a horse, overcoming social and emotional anxiety to do so.
Testimonials
Regina
I am so happy that I chose Sabino to begin my recovery. I have suffered for years from depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and PTSD. The programs that are offered here at Sabino have been truly phenomenal in helping me recover. I also appreciated the professional staff that are here on duty 24/7, which helps create a safe environment. Cypress Lake Recovery uses effective “one on one” methods that meet each person’s individual needs because they evaluate and have a better understanding of your personal traumatic experiences. Thanks Sabino, I am truly grateful to you and the Sabino family.
J.A.
A beautiful facility! Staff sets the tone and kindness that residents easily follow. Thank you, Cypress Lake Recovery!
Pamela
The program at Cypress Lake Recovery works! I emerged from an accumulation of unrecognized emotions, issues of trust, and unresolved grief and loss. 35-days of effective integration of customized quality therapy reconnected my mind, body, spirit, and I am worth it! I had masked emotions and hurtful events for decades with alcohol. At Cypress Lake Recovery I safely focused deep within to unleash harmful secrets and self-degradation. Tools of recovery were practiced, not just presented. Integrative therapies were tailored to my circumstances, thus were effective. This residential program is like no other. For me, Cypress Lake Recovery delivered what was professed. I am forever grateful for this gift of healing.
Mike
Life changing experience. Wonderful staff. Wonderful program. Thanks for everything!
Darcy
It was great to begin my recovery in a group environment with so many knowledgeable nurses, therapists, BHT’s, and others around for support. The equine therapy, challenge course, family week, and daily therapies all work together seamlessly, allowing me to leave Sabino as a healthier and stronger person!
Skills That Equine Therapy Can Support
Equine therapy helps improve impulse control by fostering a connection between the individual and the horses, promoting equine-assisted growth through focus, patience, and calmness. As individuals learn to manage their own emotions and reactions while working with the horses, they can develop greater self-awareness and the ability to pause before acting impulsively. This hands-on experience in a nonjudgmental setting teaches the value of self-regulation, providing valuable skills that can be applied in everyday situations.
Equine therapy enhances emotional awareness by encouraging individuals to connect with the horses, actively encouraging them to regulate their own emotional states. Participants learn to recognize their own emotions with more clarity, since horses often mirror the feelings and responses of the humans around them. This feedback helps individuals become more attuned to their own emotional triggers, fostering greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
Equine therapy improves problem-solving skills by requiring individuals to think critically and adapt their approach, promoting growth through these unique challenges. Each session presents unique challenges, such as managing the horse’s behavior or navigating complex tasks, which encourages creative thinking and decision-making. This hands-on experience helps participants build confidence in their ability to assess situations and find effective solutions, skills that can be transferred to real-world problems.
Equine therapy fosters goal-setting skills by providing a supportive, judgment-free environment, promoting persistence and resilience. The horses’ non-judgmental presence allows participants to set and pursue goals without fear of failure or criticism, building confidence along the way. If done in a group in addiction treatment, the individual can see other people struggle and also need to adapt their strategies to achieve the goal. This safe space encourages persistence, helping individuals develop the resilience to meet their objectives while learning from both success and setbacks.
Horses have lived and worked alongside humans for thousands of years. In equine-assisted therapy, they’re used as a tool and a guide to helping individuals develop emotional intelligence, social skills, and problem-solving skills. Developing positive relationships with houses can help a person to overcome fears, anxieties, and other challenges.
A Horse’s Role in Equine Therapy
Horses react to a person’s behavior, and they can sense danger. They don’t react to a person’s appearance or judge a person’s past mistakes. This can be very uplifting in the process of recovering from substance use disorder. A horse can sense a problem but will react in relation to how the person handling them behaves. When creating a relationship and bond with a horse, trust is being built in the process. Many people who raise horses (whether in a treatment program or not) develop strong bonds with them over time.
The Value of Holistic Healing for Addiction
Holistic therapy offers a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery by addressing the mind, body, and spirit. Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on the physical aspects of addiction, holistic methods incorporate practices like meditation and yoga to promote emotional healing and reduce stress. Practices like writing therapy can help the person develop a greater sense of self-confidence and build a new identity after drug addiction.
By treating the root causes of addiction, such as trauma or mental health disorders, holistic therapy supports lasting change and prevents relapse. It also encourages healthier lifestyle choices, improving overall well-being. This holistic approach not only aids in overcoming addiction but also empowers individuals to lead more balanced and fulfilling lives.
Heal From Addiction at Cypress Lake Recovery
At Cypress Lake Recovery, our dedicated staff cares for every person that comes to us for help with addiction through horse assisted therapy. No matter what stage of the recovery process you’re at, we are committed to help with personalized treatment plans for each individual. If you’ or someone you love is suffering from substance abuse, contact us today.
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