Individuals experiencing trauma, depression, ADD & ADHD, depression, eating disorders, anxiety, and many other mental health challenges or diagnoses can potentially benefit from EFP.

Concentration, selflessness, and teamwork are potential attributes enhanced when working with horses. Goals may include improved self-esteem, self-awareness, confidence, and empathy, which 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 may help mend strained relationships, while enhancing communication skills might aid in resolving conflicts in a healthier manner.

Services typically take place outdoors, not in a traditional clinical setting, and offer a hands-on approach. EFP differs from traditional talk therapy in that horses are nonverbal, but their body language is understandable, and as herd animals, they enjoy connection. EFP also uses a wide variety of unmounted equine activities such as:

• observation of inward reflection

• handling for confidence building

• grooming for emotional grounding

• leading for enhanced connection

• lunging for presence and awareness

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) has the same goals and characteristics as traditional psychotherapy, but incorporates a connection with an equine to facilitate progress and healing. Participants do not need any previous experience with horses to participate in EFP.

EFP 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, working alongside a PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL). Clients should continue their relationship with their primary psychotherapist while enrolled in this program.

Please note that 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.

Notice to our Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) applicants: If you inquire and there are no spaces available at the day and time you are requesting, please note, we do not keep a formal waitlist. Unfortunately, if EFP is full, we won’t have a timeline for when an opening becomes available. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to look for a program with a current opening. If this is a medical emergency, please seek immediate assistance by proceeding to your nearest Emergency Room or dialing 911. You may also text The Crisis Text Line at 741741. We understand that finding help can be difficult and doesn’t always fall into line when someone decides to seek it.