In October, staff from the ASAP and FOCUS programs had the opportunity to become certified in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, or EAP.  EAP includes the use of horses in therapy.  The original founder of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Greg Kersten, of the OK Corral Series, conducted a special seminar for our staff, teaching us a unique and highly effective new way to help the children and families that we serve.  Participants learned EAP exercises, activities, and approaches for safety, therapy, teambuilding, inspiring confidence, and building emotional strength.  By using the skills of observation, knowledge, and communication, EAP can help children and parents reconnect with the positive attributes of their families.

 

The relationship between horses and humans is thousands of years old, and the power of the horse has long been a source of inspiration and innovation for people throughout the world.  The process of utilizing animals to facilitate healing in people also has a long history, and recognition of the tremendous benefits of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy has grown exponentially in the last several years.  Horses are social creatures.  They are curious, interactive, and have a need for attachment.  Horses perform specific roles within their herds, and their natural behaviors as part of a herd mimic the way that humans interact in families.  This provides a great opportunity to develop metaphors, observe behavior patterns, and create an arena for positive growth and change in families.  In addition, horses communicate with each other, and with people, through body language, which allows for great discoveries in how family members communicate and connect with one another.

 

EAP is an experiential therapy, meaning that families gain insight by participating in activities with the horses, and then by processing the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that they experienced.  This experiential component can be especially effective with issues of attachment, and thus, EAP is particularly relevant to many of our ASAP families.

 

We eagerly anticipate the addition of this unique mode of therapy to ASAP's already broad range of services.  For more information about Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, please visit Greg Kersten's OK Corral Series, and stay tuned for more details as ASAP incorporates this exciting tool into our service delivery.

 

 

Kimberly Liberatore, M.Ed., Ed.S.