I am an Equine Assisted Psychotherapist (EAP), Certified by the Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association (EAGALA), an experiential approach to helping people learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with horses.
EAGALA activities are lead by a team comprised of one mental health professional and one equine professional. Activities are structured to provide psychotherapy, learning, coaching, counseling, and/or educational services.
There are 2 disciplines that fall under the EAGALA Model: Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). What primarily distinguishes the two is that EAP deals with emotional growth and learning while addressing treatment goals whereas the focus of EAL is on growth and learning. EAL may also use other specialized professionals in addition to the team of equine and mental health professionals. The clients and professionals collaborate to decide what services best fit the clients’ needs.
I have learned through personal experience that animals of all shapes and sizes influence people in significant ways. By virtue of their size and power, horses can be very intimidating. When we stand up to our fears by accomplishing a task involving a horse, space opens to invite confidence and respect, both in ourselves and for the horse, as well.
As an equine therapist, I have learned and appreciate skills that expand the client’s ability to regulate body sensations (both physical and emotional) by communicating with a powerful animal without the burden of direct human contact.
Learning trust, mastery of a new skill, sensitivity to non-verbal communication and responsibility are just a few of the positive outcomes of this powerful therapeutic tool.
Please refer to http://eagala.org for any questions and/or concerns about EAGALA.
Psychotherapy License LMFT
34570 California
001074 New York