There are many documented facts about the benefits of simply being in the presence of horses - from lowering stress hormones to building confidence, self esteem, empathy and companionship. Yet this only scratches the surface of the therapeutic potential of this increasingly popular intervention. Track Clinic uses a therapeutic model developed by EAGALA, the global standard in equine assisted psychotherapy, proven to enable emotional and behavioural change.
Published studies contributing to the evidence base of the EAGALA model can be found on www.trackclinic.co.uk/evidence. There are further case studies detailed in the book ‘Transforming Therapy through Horses: Case Studies teaching the EAGALA model in action - Lynn Thomas & Mark Lytle. Further details can be found on www.eagala.org.
The Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ADAMH) has concluded that Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is capable of ‘neurological re-wiring’ - the ability to recover from trauma by restructuring neutral pathways. It has been found to sooth and regulate the limbic region of the brain. https://www.acamh.org/blog/equine-therapy
Strength & Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ’s) are completed by the client (and in the case of children by their parents/carers and teachers too) before the first session and after the last session in a block of four to six weeks. This allows us to monitor outcomes based on emotional symptoms, social engagement and interpersonal interaction. It also allows for recommendations on further blocks of therapy when necessary.
In the words of an Experiential Therapist new to the world of equine therapy;
'On experiencing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in the role of client and psychotherapist, it is plain to see how immediately powerful and life changing it can be. I have worked experientially with adults and children since 2007, using such methods as sand tray therapy and play therapy. EAP is like the next step on from that, where the client can actually be part of a 'living' sand tray where dynamics are shifting around them in exactly the way that they need them to in order for them to process and become conscious of old patterns that they may have become stuck in. It's incredible how the horses seem to know exactly how to behave in order to help the client get to the heart of the matter.’
- Charlotte Clements, Integrative Child, Adolescent and Adult Counsellor and Psychotherapist.