EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR RELATIONSHIPS

Say equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) to people and they instantly think assisted riding. However, EAP is in fact much more than that. EAP is an experiential form of therapy using RESCUED horses to help people learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses. It has been proven to help individuals and couples become stronger in communication, problem solving, conflict resolution and interaction with others.

Why horses? Horses have a unique ability to read and immediately respond to human verbal and non-verbal communications. With this the horse acts as a mirror for the human participant and they possess an effective ability to confront the behaviors and attitudes of the participants. Through a series of activities, (using rescued horses) constructed by the equine specialist and the psychologist present, the horses and humans interact on the ground in a powerful, emotion-eliciting experience.
It is the participant’s interpretation of the interaction that is the catalyst for change.

EAP has been in use for at least thirty years and numerous studies have proven it is more powerfully and efficiently change-making than traditional talk therapy. Traditional talk relationship counseling is often characterized by the participants just continuing their dysfunctional patterns in a therapist’s office with the therapist attempting to sort out and interpret these patterns while offering suggestions for change. Using EAP the participants themselves see first hand how their behavior is ineffective and need to work together to make it different. Change occurs more quickly and more profoundly. Often times one or more participant is not willing to sit and talk about their problems, EAP offers an experiential alternative that achieves a deep personal awareness and allows the couple to devise new ways of interacting during the experience.

No previous knowledge of horses is necessary. They are a mirror reflection of you. They are there to teach you.

CAN YOUR RELATIONSHIP BENEFIT BY IMPROVING:

COMMUNICATION?

CONFLICT RESOLUTION?

PROBLEM SOLVING?

INTIMACY AND RESPECT?

At Turning Point Stable you will be able to experience this powerful form of relationship therapy under the guidance of an EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist, Ardelle Peters and Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Sharon Davern. Ms. Davern has over thirty years of experience in working in the mental health field with relationships. Ms. Peters has over thirty years as an RN. They will be with you and the horses the entire time you participate but will allow you and your loved one to create your own experiences toward a closer, more quality relationship.
For appointment or more information call: 507-657-2540 or 507-534-2668.