Transitions: Horses and Heroes
EQUINE-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY | AUSTIN, TX
Transitions: Horses and Heroes
EQUINE-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY | AUSTIN, TX
Transitions: Horses and Heroes Project – provides healing for Veterans and families through equine-assisted activities. />Equine Rehabilitation Central Texas has been awarded a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission in collaboration with Natural HorseWay to provide equine-assisted therapies for veterans and their families.This project is wholistic , involving physical, neurological, and also the relational aspects of transitioning from active duty to civilian life. Groups meet in hourly sessions Friday and/or Sunday afternoon-evening appointments at Natural Horseway Ranch in Elgin or ERCT Ranch outside Cedar Park or in combination of both sites.The first 6 weeks, participants will interact naturally, on foot, with horses in an arena, in activities facilitated by an equine-specialist and therapist. Both are certified by Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA.org). The last 4 weeks, participants will experience Therapeutic Horseback Riding, THR, facilitated by PATH certified instructors. • Learn More About Transitions• View Horses and Heroes Forms
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
EAP
In Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, EAP, horses act as transitional objects for participants. The horses and activities in the arena can mirror what is going on in someone’s life. />For example: A client observes, “There’s a split in the herd – just like me and my family. The donkey is wreaking havoc - just like my teenager at home – or PTSD – or alcohol!” Then together, we brainstorm possible solutions - and then actually try them out in the arena with the animals, then in ordinary life. Seasoned Therapists estimate it takes only 1 hour of EAP to do 10 hours of talk therapy. Recent research has shown improvement in marital problems and conflict resolution, as well as significant reduction in diagnosed and undiagnosed PTSD.
