Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) or

“Horse Therapy” Services

What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy or “Horse Therapy”?

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a growing field in which horses are used as a tool to promote emotional growth and learning.  Horse therapy is experiential in nature in that people learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with horses and then discuss feelings, behaviors, and emotional and relational patterns with a trained EAP therapist.  The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship but rather to learn about non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking, problem solving, leadership, responsibility, teamwork, relationships, confidence, and facilitating a positive attitude.

Who Can Participate in Horse Therapy?

• Individuals (adults, adolescents and children)

• Couples

• Families

• Workplaces and organizations

UB encourages clients to participate in at least one traditional counseling session for assessment, to establish a rapport, and to determine if EAP is appropriate as an adjunct to traditional therapy (which can expedite progress) or as the main approach.

What Types of Problems Can EAP/Horse Therapy Treat?

EAP is a brief approach that successfully addresses a variety of issues including:

• Behavioral issues

• ADD/ADHD

• Substance abuse

• Eating disorders

• Trauma/abuse issues

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Relationship problems

• Communication issues

• Company/organization morale

  
  

Where Do EAP/Horse Therapy Sessions Take Place?

Creative Growth Center

9N755 Nesler Road, Elgin IL 60124

www.creativegrowthcenter.com

What Does EAP/Horse Therapy Cost?

The fees for EAP are the same as they are for traditional therapy plus an extra $12 fee per session at the stable. Insurance will often cover EAP services.

How Does Horse Therapy Work?

The client or clients are with an EAP therapist from Urban Balance and a horse specialist from CGC. The client will sometimes ride the horse and sometimes participate in other activities with the horse. EAP/Horse therapy does not require participants to have experience with horses.

Horses have an amazing power to heal and to teach.  They offer unconditional regard, experience a wide range of feelings, and provide immediate, honest, observable feedback in response to our interactions with them.  Horses are sensitive to nonverbal stimulus, which makes them astute therapeutic guides.  They are social beings that bring us insight into the roles we play in group dynamics and our daily lives.

Are There Safety or Liability Issues?

Safety is extremely important with EAP services. Along with an EAP therapist from Urban Balance, there will be a horse specialist from CGC present during the sessions.

Please view the attached liability waiver from the Creative Growth Center:

http://creativegrowthcenter.com/LIABILITY

How Does EAP/Horse Therapy Help Workplaces/Organizations?

UB’s EAP/Horse Therapy Workshops are tailored to the specific needs and goals of your company or organization.  UB’s consultants assess target issues (such as verbal and non-verbal communication issues) and develop a workshop to meet the particular needs of each group. The results can be immediate and the benefits long-lasting, including better morale, team building, higher productivity and decreased sick time.