Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

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What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning. EAP is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term, or "brief" approach.

EAP is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This approach has been compared to the ropes courses used by therapists, treatment facilities, and human development courses around the world. But EAP has the added advantage of utilizing horses, dynamic and powerful living beings.

Not all programs or individuals who use horses practice Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. For one, licensed clinical professionals need to be involved for it to be considered "psychotherapy". The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship.  The focus of EAP involves setting up ground activities involving the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP.

EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.

Liberty Valley Farm will be working with the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association for our EAP program. 

What/Who is EAGALA?

Founded in July 1999, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization developed to address the need for resources, education, and professionalism in the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Creating a more professional field and promoting it to the general public is a large task. EAGALA strives to educate the public that EAP is more than horsemanship and riding classes.

EAGALA aims to get professionals in the clinical and human development fields to accept EAP as a valid and effective approach, and to actively use it with their clientele. This benefits those in the equine fields by opening up greater possibilities for doing what they love, namely working with horses. This benefits those in the clinical and human development fields by providing a powerful, effective, interesting, and fun therapeutic alternative. Most of all, this benefits the clients and participants, because, as those of us working in the field see all the time, it works! The growth and learning of all involved is intense and rewarding.

Vision, Mission, Values, Objectives
 

Vision Statement 

EAGALA is dedicated to improving the mental health of individuals, families, and groups around the world by setting the standard of excellence in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. 

Mission Statement  

EAGALA provides education, standards, innovation, and support to professionals providing services in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. 

Values 

• Focus on making a positive impact in the lives of people
• Maintain the highest ethical standards and professionalism
• Support innovation while remaining committed to quality assurance
• Ensure the integrity of the EAGALA model through outcomes and efficacy
• Promote a culture of collaboration through sharing information, experience, and ideas 

Objectives 

• Establish standards of practice, ethics, and safety for the field of EAP
  
• Provide trainings for certification in the field of EAP
• Conduct annual conferences to promote education and networking
• Promote EAGALA as an effective model of therapy and treatment for at-risk populations
• Provide educational, training, and support resources, such as books, videos, tapes, and web sites
• Publish a quarterly newsletter
• Encourage universities and colleges to develop and include the EAGALA Model in their curriculum
• Support the establishment of EAGALA certified organizations around the world
• Conduct and disseminate research on the effectiveness of EAP

Those who are familiar with horses recognize and understand the power of horses to influence people in incredibly powerful ways. Developing relationships, training, horsemanship instruction, and caring for the horses naturally affects the people involved in a positive manner.

The benefits of work ethic, responsibility, assertiveness, communication, and healthy relationships has long been recognized. Horses naturally provide these benefits. The use of horses is growing and gaining popularity with the rise of new approaches in working with the horses, including the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of the horse are naturally intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.

Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals. They have defined roles within their herds. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. An approach that seems to work with one horse, does not necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant. They like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning. Using metaphors, in discussion or activity, is an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups.

Horses require work, whether in caring for them or working with them. In an era when immediate gratification and the "easy way" are the norm, horses require people to be engaged in physical and mental work to be successful, a valuable characteristic in all aspects of life.

Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Many people will complain, "The horse is stubborn. The horse doesn’t like me," etc. But the lesson to be learned is that if they change themselves, the horses respond differently. Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers.

EAGALA Code Of Ethics:

This code serves as a standard of ethics and professionalism for all associates of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association and for the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. The code delineates basic philosophies to guide professional practitioners in the conduct of business and practice. High standards of ethics and professionalism are established to instill confidence in clients, professionals, and their communities. The ethics code is based on the fundamental values of overall safety and well-being of clients, foremost above all other considerations.

Ethical decisions and conduct should be consistent in the letter and spirit of the code. Failure to act in accordance with the code may result in loss of association or certification with EAGALA. It is our quest to build the emerging field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy as a valid, professional, safe, and respected instrument for growth and learning. It is therefore required that all practitioners maintain the utmost standards of ethics, professionalism, and integrity.

1. The EAGALA associate will provide the highest quality of service and care in supporting and assisting clients in personal growth and learning.


2. The EAGALA associate will respect and honor the value and dignity of all and protect the safety, welfare, and best interest of the client.
   


3. The EAGALA associate will always consider physical and emotional safety concerns. This includes safety utilizing horses and the maintenance of a safe facility. Therapeutic approaches are to be implemented in a respectful manner, maintaining the privacy and rights of confidentiality of all clients, and never abusing power through sexual or inappropriate relationships with clients.


4. The EAGALA associate will continually evaluate the progress of clients and will promptly refer them to other professional services if and when this is in the best interest of the client.


5. The EAGALA associate will treat other associates and professionals courteously and respect their views, ideas, and opinions.


6. The EAGALA associate will share information, experiences, and ideas that will benefit, strengthen, and improve the effectiveness of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.


7. The EAGALA associate will regularly evaluate his/her own professional strengths and limitations and will seek to improve self and profession through ongoing education and training.


8. The EAGALA associate will not misrepresent by claiming or implying professional qualifications, education, experience, or affiliations not possessed by the associate.


9. The EAGALA associate will follow all state/country laws and guidelines pertaining to the scope of his/her practice and limitations of business.


10. The EAGALA associate should not participate in, condone or be associated with dishonesty, fraud, deceit, illegal activities, or misrepresentation.


11. The EAGALA associate will not engage in personal conduct which adversely affects the quality of professional services rendered or cause harm to the reputation of the profession.
    
    
12. The EAGALA associate will maintain the highest standards of professional integrity.

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