Mental Health Services
Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy
Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (also known as Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy), has the same goals and characteristics as traditional psychotherapy but incorporates connection with an equine to facilitate progress and healing. Participants do not need any previous experiences with horses to participate in Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy.
Who can benefit from EFP?
Individuals experiencing:
Trauma - PTSD - ADHD
Addiction - Depression
Eating disorders
Anxiety and many other mental health conditions
What is different about Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and what skills and benefits are gained?
Services take place outdoors, not in a traditional clinical setting and offers a hands-on approach.
Communication: Equine-facilitated Psychotherapy differs from talk therapy in that horses are nonverbal, but their body language is understandable, and as herd animals they enjoy connection.
Concentration, selflessness, and teamwork, are attributes enhanced when working with horses.
Improved self-esteem, self-awareness, confidence and empathy,are fundamental aspects of emotional intelligence.
These skills are not only beneficial during therapy, but also translate into real-world applications. For example, developing trust can help mend strained relationships, while enhancing communication skills can aid in resolving conflicts in a healthier manner.
What happens in a session?
We use a wide variety of unmounted equine activities such as:
observation - inward reflection
handling - confidence building
grooming - emotional grounding
leading - enhanced connection
lunging - presence & awareness
Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy sessions may be led by:
A licensed, credentialed Mental Health Professional who is also a PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.
Or, a licensed, credentialed Mental Health Professional, works alongside a PATH Intl Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.
Clients should continue their relationship with their primary psychotherapist while enrolled in this program.
BINA Farm Center in collaboration with Mass General Brigham McLean Hospital
hosted women with trauma histories to try a new type of therapy. Dr. Sherry Winternitz
summarized by saying:“I’ve been working with survivors of childhood abuse for
the last 30 years, and I have never seen anything with such immediate benefit
to folks who struggle with trauma-related issues.”
BINA Farm Center does not work directly with insurance providers for any of our programs; however, some participants in the Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy Program have had success with reimbursement. We recommend calling your insurance provider to determine if this is an option for you.