© DBL Ranch 2016
Services
Horses do the work of teaching and healing through a variety of equine assisted applications which include education (both classroom and experiential), youth at risk
programs, alcohol & drug recovery programs, holistic health programs, mental health counseling, coaching, and workplace training. Individuals with a variety of
training and experience enter the field of teaching and healing with horses including mental health counselors, educators, holistic health practitioners, coaches,
organizational development professionals, workplace trainers, as well as professional horse people.
Education · Outdoor Recreation · Counseling & Mental Health
Equine Learning Activities for small groups. Riding Lessons Horsemanship
What is Equine Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy ?
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) or Equine Facilitated
Experiential Learning (EFEL)
Activities done with horses geared toward experiential learning. Equine
assisted learning or equine facilitated experiential learning activities are
typically offered to groups. The difference between equine assisted learning
and equine assisted therapy is one of the confusing concepts in the emerging
field of equine assisted work.
Learning activities can be used to reengage students in academic learning as
well as with high risk adolescents in alternative school programs. Typically,
the clients participate in an activity with the horses on the ground, and the
trained facilitator guides the learning process. Rather than focusing on
personal issues, the focus is on concepts and principles, as in character
concepts for example.
EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY/EQUINE FACILITATED
PSYCHOTHERAPY (EAP/EFP)
In Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), horses partner with humans to
facilitate emotional healing in the context of psychotherapy. The Equine
Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) defines Equine Assisted
Psychotherapy (EAP) as a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist
and a horse professional designed to address specific treatment issues
presented by a psychotherapy client. Participants learn about themselves and
others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or
discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. Issues vary with each individual
or family, but can include uncovering and managing emotions such as anger,
anxiety, sadness or grief. Issues related to self-esteem, assertiveness, control,
trust, communication, boundaries, separation, perfectionism, decision-
making, leadership, cooperation or other social issues are often among those
that surface. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it may be considered a
short term, or “brief” approach to psychotherapy. In order for it to be
considered “psychotherapy” a licensed mental health professional needs to
be involved. For those who follow the EAGALA model, 100% of EAP takes place
purely on the ground.