At Transformations Mending Fences in Morriston, FL, we understand the unique challenges people face when recovering from a mental health issue. Our Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) program, as well as our veteran treatment programs, are designed to offer support and healing for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health disorders.
If you or a loved one need help now please call (888) 995-6013 or click here to have us run a no-cost confidential verification of your benefits so you can get started with treatment today.
We accept the following insurance providers.
Understanding Equine Therapy
Equine Therapy, also known as Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT), is an innovative form of experiential treatment involving interactive horse activity. This therapy extends beyond the confines of traditional counseling rooms, offering a dynamic and engaging approach to mental health care.
At the heart of Equine Therapy is the unique bond formed between humans and horses. These majestic animals are not just companions but sensitive and intuitive beings that can mirror and respond to human emotions. The empathetic nature of horses makes them ideal partners in therapy, providing a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their feelings and experiences.
Our Approach: Beyond Riding
**Clients will not be riding horses.
At Transformations Mending Fences, our Equine Therapy program is designed with a deep understanding of the unique needs of each individual. We focus on two critical aspects of Equine-Assisted activities: Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) and Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT). Both approaches offer profound benefits without involving horseback riding, making them accessible and safe for all participants.
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL): Developing Skills for Life
- Purpose: EAL is centered around personal development and life skills enhancement. It’s particularly effective in helping people transition back into regular life, offering them tools to manage daily challenges.
- Activities: Participants engage in structured exercises with horses to mirror real-life scenarios. These activities require problem-solving, decision-making, and creative thinking.
- Learning Outcomes: People learn to set boundaries, develop leadership skills, and improve teamwork. EAL also fosters resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, crucial in navigating life post-service.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Beyond skill development, EAL offers therapeutic benefits such as reduced stress, improved mood, and a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT): A Synergy of Therapy and Equine Interaction
Integration with Traditional Therapy: EAT uniquely blends traditional mental health therapies with equine activities. This approach allows therapists to observe and interact with individuals in a dynamic, non-clinical setting, offering insights that might not emerge in a traditional therapy session.
- Therapeutic Activities: Participants engage in grooming, feeding, and leading horses. These tasks encourage mindfulness, promote a sense of calm, and build a bond of trust and empathy with the horses.
- Emotional and Psychological Benefits: EAT is particularly effective in addressing issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The non-verbal communication with horses helps individuals express and process emotions in a way that words often cannot.
- Safety and Accessibility: By focusing on ground-based activities, our program ensures safety and accessibility for anyone with physical limitations or those who may be hesitant about riding.
Both EAL and EAT are integral parts of our holistic approach to therapy. They are about interacting with horses and learning, healing, and growing. Our experienced therapists guide each session, ensuring that every person receives the maximum benefit from their time with the horses.
Beyond Just Therapy
Equine Therapy is not just about addressing mental health issues; holistic equine-assisted growth and learning help in:
- Building Confidence: Completing tasks with the horse boosts self-esteem and confidence.
- Enhancing Social Skills: Interacting with horses and therapists improves social and communication skills.
- Promoting Physical Health: The physical aspect of working with horses can improve overall fitness and coordination.
Tailored for Our Heroes
Our equine therapy program is meticulously designed to meet the specific needs of each person. We recognize the unique challenges faced by those who have served, work in high-stress environments, or are dealing with mental health disorders. Our approach is tailored to address each person’s issues holistically. The benefits of our equine-assisted services include the following:
Reducing Anxiety
- Calm Environment: Our serene setting and the gentle nature of horses create a tranquil environment that naturally reduces stress and anxiety.
- Mindfulness Practices: Engaging with horses encourages mindfulness, helping participants stay present and grounded and reducing feelings of anxiety.
- Stress Relief: The rhythmic motions of grooming and caring for horses have lowered cortisol levels, providing natural stress relief.
Building Confidence
- Task Accomplishment: Completing tasks with horses, such as leading or grooming, gives a sense of achievement, boosting self-esteem.
- Empowerment: Learning to communicate and build trust with a horse empowers people, enhancing their self-confidence in other areas.
- Positive Reinforcement: The immediate feedback and non-judgmental nature of horses provide positive reinforcement, which is crucial in building confidence.
Enhancing Communication
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- Non-Verbal Skills: Working with horses enhances non-verbal communication skills, as horses primarily communicate through body language.
- Emotional Expression: The safe and empathetic environment allows participants to express emotions more freely, improving emotional regulation.
- Social Interaction: The program also fosters social skills, as individuals interact with therapists and peers, enhancing communication abilities.
Overcoming Trauma
- Safe Space for Processing: The non-threatening presence of horses provides a safe space for people to process traumatic experiences.
- Trauma-Informed Approach: Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed care, ensuring that interactions with horses are conducted in a way that acknowledges and respects a person’s traumatic experiences.
- Healing Bonds: The bond formed with horses can be profoundly healing, offering comfort and support as individuals work through their trauma.
Personalized for Your Path
No two people are the same, and neither are their paths to recovery. Our team works closely with each individual to create a personalized treatment plan, combining various therapies for the most effective results. Our program is more than just therapy; it’s a journey toward healing and empowerment. We are committed to providing each person a supportive, understanding, and practical therapeutic experience.
Take the First Step – Join Us at Transformations Mending Fences
Located in the serene setting of Morriston, FL, our program offers a peaceful retreat for healing. Our experienced team is dedicated to supporting each individual’s journey towards mental wellness.
We invite you to reach out to a mental health professional on our team and learn more about how our Equine Therapy program can support your journey to recovery. Contact us at (888) 995-6013 for more information about our Equine Therapy program and our range of mental health treatment programs. Get started today.
Sources
Psychology Today
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/helping-kids-cope/201903/equine-assisted-therapy-unique-and-effective-intervention
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wild-thoughts/201010/helping-horses-equine-assisted-psychotherapy-eap
Nursing Open
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6917924/
Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-07424-003
Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287109738_Equine-Assisted_Psychotherapy_for_adolescents_experiencing_depression_andor_anxiety_A_therapists_perspective
