The Transformative Benefits of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy Learning

In recent years, mental health professionals have begun to embrace innovative therapeutic practices that go beyond traditional talk therapy. One such approach gaining traction is Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP). This unique form of therapy incorporates horses into the therapeutic process, offering profound benefits for individuals struggling with communication issues, anxiety, PTSD, and a host of other emotional and psychological challenges.

Understanding Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy

At its core, Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy blends traditional therapeutic techniques with interactions involving horses. In these sessions, participants engage with horses in various ways—grooming, leading, and even observing their behavior. The presence of the horse creates a safe space where individuals can explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a non-judgmental environment.

Enhancing Communication Skills

For many individuals, especially those who struggle with social anxiety or communication difficulties, expressing thoughts and feelings can be daunting. Horses are incredibly sensitive animals; they respond to emotional cues and body language. This sensitivity provides participants with immediate feedback about their communication styles and emotional states.

Through interacting with horses, individuals learn non-verbal communication skills, which can translate to better interpersonal interactions. The process encourages self-expression and fosters a deeper understanding of how we communicate with others, helping those who struggle with verbal expression to find their voice.

Confronting Anxiety and PTSD

Equine facilitated psychotherapy has also proven beneficial for those dealing with anxiety disorders and PTSD. The calming presence of horses can help ground individuals and reduce feelings of overwhelm. Being in the presence of a horse can be a soothing experience, allowing participants to reconnect with themselves in a way that feels safe and secure.

Horses, being prey animals, are constantly alert to their environment, allowing participants to learn about their own anxiety triggers and responses. This experiential learning can help individuals develop coping strategies and grounding techniques that they can apply in their everyday lives.

Building Distress Tolerance and Emotion Regulation

One of the most significant benefits of EFP is its ability to enhance distress tolerance and emotion regulation. Learning to manage emotions effectively is crucial for mental health, especially for those who might experience intense feelings of anger, sadness, or anxiety. The process of working with horses helps individuals practice self-regulation in real-time.

When participants interact with horses, they often encounter moments of frustration or discomfort—whether it's when a horse doesn’t cooperate as expected or when they feel overwhelmed. These moments provide valuable opportunities to practice coping strategies, recognize their emotional responses, and explore ways to navigate their feelings. As they learn to maintain composure and adapt to the horse's behavior, they build resilience and improve their ability to manage distress in their daily lives.

Creating Connections and Fostering Empathy

Horses are social animals, and their relationships with humans can be incredibly enriching. This dynamic helps foster empathy and connection, two essential components of emotional health. Participants learn to understand the horse’s emotional needs, which can translate into a greater awareness of their own feelings and the feelings of others.

This enhanced empathy can lead to stronger relationships outside of the therapy setting. It allows individuals to develop deeper connections with friends, family, and even colleagues, as they learn to be more in tune with their emotions and the emotions of those around them.

A Holistic Approach to Well-being

Equine facilitated psychotherapy is not just about the emotional benefits; it also encourages physical engagement. The act of caring for and interacting with horses—through grooming, leading, and riding—can promote physical well-being and enhance overall quality of life.

Moreover, the calming nature of horses, combined with the outdoor setting often associated with EFP, can enhance feelings of peace and relaxation, contributing to improved mental health outcomes.

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy offers a unique, transformative approach to mental health and emotional well-being. By leveraging the innate connection between humans and horses, participants can gain valuable insights into communication, develop effective coping strategies for anxiety and PTSD, and enhance their ability to tolerate distress and regulate emotions.

If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, considering EFP might be a worthwhile step on the path to healing and self-discovery. As we continue to explore the depths of how animals can aid in our personal growth, it’s clear that the bond between humans and horses can lead to profound changes in our mental health landscape.

Written by:

Lital Diament MA LMFT #56973

Lital offers individual EFPL sessions

In terms of insurance coverage, it's essential to check with your specific provider as policies can vary widely. Some insurance companies may cover EFP under mental health services if it is conducted by a licensed therapist who is certified in both psychotherapy and equine-assisted therapy. In such cases, it is advisable to obtain a detailed letter of medical necessity from your therapist, which can facilitate the approval process for reimbursement. Additionally, some plans may allow for flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) to be used for related expenses.

If insurance coverage is not available, many practitioners offer a sliding scale fee structure, making EFP more affordable for clients. Out-of-pocket costs can vary depending on location, session length, and the facility, but many programs are committed to making therapy accessible. Additionally, individuals may find that the therapeutic benefits they gain from EFP justify the expense, potentially leading to long-term mental health improvements and overall well-being.

Overall, while exploring insurance options is important, EFP can still be a viable and rewarding investment in personal growth, even when considering out-of-pocket costs.

Healing Through Equine Therapy

My Journey with Horses

As a young child, I remembered feeling a profound connection to horses. I felt connected, calm, grounded, and less stressed whenever I was around them. However, my fear kept me back from wanting to embark on the journey of riding a horse. It would be many years later that I would come to understand the neural circuit that caused me to balk anytime someone asked me to ‘hop on their horse,’ or take a lesson. It was the neural circuit, fear. While I understood neural circuits and the complexities of the brain as well as primary emotions; I did not find the language to help me connect and organize the mind/body approach until I was engaged with the actual horse.

In 2023, I was encouraged to begin horse riding lessons and began to truly connect how my emotions informed the horse and vice a versa. My body and my mind began to make informed decisions based on my inner compass. Often, this led me to take even deeper breathes, pauses, and further my research for answers, helping guide me to a lifelong bond. I soon became a horse owner and then, three months later, my horse passed of complications. Growing frustrations arose with what they call ‘the horse community’ and my search for another horse quickly began.

In 2024, I embarked on a transformational journey through the H.E.A.L. Model with Leigh Shambo, MSW, LPCC (https://humanequinealliance.com/the-heal-model/).  With Leigh’s absolute love for equine facilitated psychotherapy learning, her passions for healing, and her encouraging words; I had dived into her course and soon became certified as a ‘Bronze EFPL Facilitator.’ Unraveling all the intricacies of the pathways, Leigh truly helped me combine my love for psychotherapy and my equal love towards the equine. I whole-heartedly began to communicate with my own POA (Pony of Americas) and found joy in helping clients understand just how informative Equine therapy can be. With instruction and direction, I am now able to help people develop distress tolerance skills by providing a safe environment to explore emotions and behaviors. Clients can now see how non-judgmental a horse truly is. How a horse does not care what you wear, how you look, or even understand the concept of “punishment.” My clients can now feel understood, which can help them process difficult emotions. To me, that was and is everything.

To learn more about Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy Learning (EFPL) and how you can incorporate this into your own healing, please reach out to MontanaTherapyForMoms.

Lital Diament MA LMFT #56973 offers individual sessions as well as intensives to help you further your healing journey and find meaningful connections with horses.

Written by: Lital Diament MA LMFT#56973