Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFPT)
- Jaithra Kakarla
- Mar 28, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 2, 2020
Nothing compares to the therapy a horse can give.
Equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFPT) is defined as an interactive process in which a licensed mental health professional working with or as an appropriately credentialed equine professional, partners with suitable equine(s) to address psychotherapy goals set forth by the mental health professional and the client. EFPT is also a form of psychotherapy that uses horses as an instrument for therapeutic healing. EFPT has been found to be particularly effective for people with autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as other behavioral and communication problems.
The equine is a critically important partner in this process. The equine’s prey nature and intense sensitivity to subtle changes in their environment make them perfect partners for professionals who teach a wide range of life and coping skills. The concept that horses might be helpful or healing to people struggling with mental health issues is based on the idea that horses (as domesticated prey animals) are extremely sensitive to changes in the human being (as a predatory creature). Due to their sensitivity, horses react and respond to people differently based upon the person's emotional state. Since we know that emotional states in human beings also impact our physiology, it only makes sense that horses can smell or sense (using their vomeronasal organ) those changes. The horse acts as a large biofeedback machine, providing the client and the therapist with information regarding the client's moods and changes within those moods. If a client arrives anxious the horse will act and respond one way. If the client is able to reduce his or her anxiety, the horse's behaviors will also change. This provides a plethora of information and skill-building opportunities for both the client and the therapist.
Some suggest that this form of therapy works much like cognitive-behavioral therapy. The therapist uses the horse's movements and behaviors, and the client's interpretations of those movements as a mechanism to monitor, explain and change negative patterns of thinking that may result in communication difficulties, relationship problems, or an otherwise unhealthy lifestyle. Horses have been found to provide tremendous and instantaneous feedback, so they have become very useful as a vehicle for healing and therapy. Much like dogs are very social and accepting animals, many therapists and clients find horses demonstrate the same personality traits, allowing clients to engage in relationships that feel safe and free from criticism. This makes clients more eager to consider a relationship without fear of rejection, abandonment, or criticism, something that a client may otherwise have to face in a traditional relationship. EFPT also helps many patients learn to trust. This can be helpful for individuals struggling with trauma issues, or clients that have dealt with trauma in the past. This can make developing trust challenging.
During a typical session, a client may groom a horse, feed it, walk with it, and engage in games with horses. A licensed therapist will work along with a horse professional to conduct therapy sessions. Both during the activity and after the patient has finished working with the horse, the equine therapist can observe and interact with the patient in order to identify behavior patterns and process thoughts and emotions.
To know more about Equine Therapy in general visit the "About" page on the website and keep reading the blog posts for more detailed information. For more information about the terminology for describing EAAT, check the blog post - Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) or the link https://www.equineinsight.info/post/equine-assisted-activities-and-therapies-eaat.
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