Using Equine Therapy As a Mental Health Treatment
The use of equine therapy as a mental health treatment can be a big help to many. There are many reasons you can use it. These include autism, cerebral palsy, addiction and PTSD. This treatment is available to anyone who suffers from any of these conditions or is a friend.
PTSD
Equine Therapy can be used as a treatment for PTSD. It can help families and individuals work through their pain. While there are a number of treatments available, equine-assisted therapy is a proven experiential/action-based form of therapy that can accelerate progress.
Research has shown that equine-assisted therapy can reduce PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety. Studies have shown that it can improve self-control and social skills, and even help people learn how to ask for help.
Since ancient times, the horse has been used in mental healthcare services. Hippocrates, the Greek philosopher and physician, wrote more than 2,000 years before about therapeutic horseback riding.
Horses are intelligent animals and can sense emotions in others. This allows them to provide immediate feedback.
Horses are sensitive animals and can sense danger in the environment. Horses can also react to our actions and will listen to what we have to say about setting limits.
In an equine-assisted therapy program, a skilled therapist and a trained horse work together to treat PTSD. This program allows clients to reconnect with non-judgmental animals and regain their trust.
Many veterans with PTSD report a reduction in PTSD symptoms and anxiety after participating in a program. One study found that this method could reduce PTSD by as high as 70%.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s Man O’War Project has been conducting research to evaluate the efficacy of equine assisted therapy. This is the first university study to evaluate the efficacy of this type of treatment.
22 veterans and their spouses were included in the program. They met weekly for eight 90 minute sessions. Participants had to be at minimum 18 years of age and not exceed 250 pounds.
Cerebral palsy
Children with cerebral palsy may face many challenges in their daily lives. These challenges can include emotional and behavioral issues. It is important to manage these symptoms in order to achieve independence and improve the quality of your life. There are some treatments that can be used to treat CP in children.
Hippotherapy is an example of such a therapy. Hippotherapy is a way to incorporate horse movement into physical therapy for children who have cerebral palsy. Research has shown that horseback riding can provide a variety therapeutic benefits.
Research has shown that horseback riding can help balance children with cerebral palsy. It can improve balance and coordination. This helps children develop a gait pattern that is similar to that of an unaffected child.
Researchers also studied the effects of hippotherapy in functional mobility in children living with CP. They conducted a meta-analysis of seven studies. The results showed that hippotherapy reduced spasticity in the short-term. However, it did not significantly impact lower-limb spasticity in children who have CP.
Hippotherapy can be used in conjunction with physical therapy to enhance self-image and self-esteem for children with CP. It encourages social integration.
Children with CP can experience anxiety and shyness. Play therapy and behavioral therapy can help them learn to express their feelings and problem-solve for everyday activities. Music therapy can be used to improve their communication skills.
Researchers recently studied the interaction of a horse with a child with CP. They discovered that the horse’s movements helped the child with CP to learn a gait pattern. The horse’s movements helped the child with CP to learn a gait pattern and his movements became more synchronized.
Autism
Equine therapy is beneficial for children with autism. Horse-human interaction is a unique experience that helps children learn new skills.
Autism affects many children. They have difficulty communicating and bonding with others. Equine therapy can help autistic children communicate and build self-confidence. Often, autistic kids have difficulty making eye contact and bonding with others.
Studies have shown that interaction with horses can improve sensory integration for children with ASD. Horse movements stimulate the vestibular sensory organs located in the inner ears. Stimulation is increased by speed, incline, or direction change.
One study evaluated 20 children with autism. Participants showed modest improvements during the six month THR intervention in socialization subdomain of VABS.
There are several types of equine therapies, such as hippotherapy, equine assisted therapy, and therapeutic riding. Each provides different benefits. Hippotherapy, for example, focuses on motor and sensory skills. Therapeutic riding, on other hand, focuses more on emotional and cognitive skills.
Children with autism can improve their communication, sensory regulation, as well as social skills through hippotherapy or equine therapy. These therapies can also be used to help children with attention deficit disorder, cerebral paralysis, and other disorders.
Equine therapy should be continued for at least one month to achieve the best results. Interventions are usually performed once per week.
Despite the high cost, equine therapy is beneficial for children with autism. Some parents spend upwards of $5,000 annually to enroll their child in an equine therapy course.
While there isn’t yet a comprehensive review on equine therapy for autism, there are many studies that support its usage for children with autism. Numerous organizations, including the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association and American Hippotherapy Association, provide funding and resources that support equine therapies.
Addiction
Equine therapy is a mental health treatment for addiction that focuses on building relationships. Working with horses in a structured setting can teach you how to interact with others in a new and positive way. It can help you trust yourself.
People suffering from addiction often feel depressed and anxious. People with addiction may have trouble relating to others and may be afraid to talk about their problems. By interacting with horses in a controlled environment, you can learn to trust yourself and build your self-esteem.
Horses are highly intelligent. Horses are able to pick up on emotions and reactions from humans and can sense how people move. They are non-judgmental and can serve as a mirror for those struggling with addiction.
Horse therapy can take many forms. You can ride, groom or lead horses. Some treatment centers use horses as a symbol for change. Counselors help patients to create a metaphor between caring and rebuilding their lives.
Equine therapy sessions often include learning about an addiction. The therapist will guide and assist you throughout the process. You may also need the help of a trainer, handler, or other support person.
This type of therapy can be especially helpful if you are not able to attend regular counseling sessions. During cognitive therapy, you will be asked to schedule activities that you will do with the horse.
During this type of therapy, you will need to remain calm and focused. If you get too nervous, your animal may become hyper-aware. Your calmness will eventually lead to a positive response.
Self-awareness
Horses can be a powerful tool when it comes to treating emotional issues and mental health conditions. Therapy with horses can help you manage your emotions, increase self-confidence, and become more self aware.
Therapy is only as effective as the ability to be self-aware. NeuroImage journal found that people who are more self-aware can interrupt unhelpful patterns and rumination. A calm mind is associated with a greater positive response from horses.
Horses can also pick-up on the emotions of others. This can help with anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues.
Equine-assisted therapies can include riding, grooming and vaulting. The horse’s responses are interpreted by the client and their emotions are elicited.
Therapists can use horses to help clients build trust. One client had difficulties talking openly about her feelings regarding a move. She was able gain a more realistic and accurate understanding of herself through grooming, haltering, as well as other interactions.
Mirroring is another technique. Mirroring is another technique. Horses will respond the same way to clients who are riding horses. It can be helpful to mirror your own behavior. This can help you recognize your own unconscious behavior and to “feel” your feelings.
Many people with mental or emotional health issues are afraid to speak with a therapist. Some people find it easier to speak to a person who is physically close to them. Others are afraid that talking to a stranger might exacerbate their problem.
Taking the lead is an equine-assisted program that improves communication and emotional well-being. It is especially useful for adolescents and young adult.