Equine-assisted therapy, also called horse therapy, is a type of psychotherapy where individuals interact with horses on a caregiving basis. This form of therapy encourages emotional growth, relationship-building, and improvements in areas such as communication, impulse control, focus, confidence, boundaries, trust, and much more.
At Malibu Detox, clients suffering from various substance use disorders and associated mental illnesses (such as anxiety and depression) participate in equine-assisted therapy to find mental relief and spiritual empowerment. Equine therapy is a great way to bring all the pieces learned in treatment at Malibu Detox together to practice in a safe environment.
Our team is committed to helping each patient overcome their substance use disorder and co-occurring mental illness. Get started in our equine therapy program by calling us at (424) 234-2027
What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Equine therapy is essentially treatment involving horses. While this may seem strange, equine therapy has become increasingly popular over the years for addiction and mental health treatment. This type of therapy is both psychotherapy and experiential therapy that gives participants a sense of purpose, responsibility, and calmness through activities on the ground with horses. Each session is led by a licensed addiction counselor certified in equine-assisted therapy.
While often confused with therapeutic horseback riding, equine psychotherapy does not involve horse riding but rather includes horses in the therapeutic process and treatment. Equine-assisted activities include:
- Grooming horses
- Leading them
- Sitting with them in the field
- Ranch assistance
- Other care and connection activities
At Malibu Detox, we create individualized treatment plans incorporating physical therapy, social therapy, and emotional rehabilitative goals. Our equine-assisted therapies have helped individuals from all walks of life free themselves from burden and pain, teaching them coping techniques and healing mechanisms in a safe environment.
What is Involved in Equine Therapy?
Our equine-assisted therapy program is led by a licensed and knowledgeable equine specialist and facilitator. Together they employ equine-assisted learning and create a routine and curriculum based on the participant’s individualized treatment plan. Activities that may be included in equine-assisted therapy include:
- Measuring out food and feeding the horse
- Putting a halter on a horse
- Leading the horse from one location to another
- Grooming the horse
Although these activities may seem simple, they require communication skills, self-awareness, and empathy. Spending time with animals can provide a sense of focus, responsibility, healing, and many other benefits. The theory behind equine therapy is that what’s learned while interacting with horses will translate to relationships with others.
What Are the Benefits of Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy?
Equine assisted psychotherapy has become increasingly popular due to its numerous benefits for those struggling with addiction and associated mental health conditions. Through equine therapy, you’ll learn to trust yourself and others, develop positive coping mechanisms, and gain insight into your behaviors. This type of therapy will help you feel calmer, learn boundaries, build your self-esteem and improve communication skills, among many other psychological benefits, including:
- Increased impulse control
- Improvement of social skills
- Emotional awareness and self-awareness
- A decrease in stress and anxiety
- Personal development, personal growth, and increased self-awareness
- A reduction in mental health symptoms
Receive Mental Health Services and Addiction Treatment Today
This therapeutic approach can serve as a catalyst for meaningful transformations, ultimately helping individuals achieve sustainable, long-term health and recovery. If you are struggling with substance use disorders, we’re here to help. Malibu Detox offers comprehensive treatment modalities, including equine-assisted therapy facilitated by licensed, certified therapists.
When you’re stuck in the cycle of addiction, you can experience hopelessness, isolation, and frustration. Reaching out for help and finding the right program for you is a major first step in your recovery journey. Whether you need detox, medication-assisted treatment, residential treatment, dual diagnosis treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, sober living, aftercare services, or treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, we can help. All substance abuse and mental health programs at our treatment facilities in Southern California include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, support groups, mental health services, and more.
Contact our Malibu, California, drug, and alcohol rehab and detox center today at (424) 234-2027 to discuss your personalized addiction treatment plan. We accept most major and private insurance plans and will work with you to navigate your coverage to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Our admissions staff looks forward to speaking with you.
Find Help Today
When you’re stuck in the cycle of addiction, you can experience hopelessness, isolation, and frustration. Reaching out for help and finding the right program for you is a major first step in your recovery journey. Whether you need detox, residential treatment, dual diagnosis treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, outpatient treatment, or treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, we can help. All drug rehab programs at our treatment centers include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy/family counseling, support groups, mental health services, and more.
Contact our Malibu, California, drug, and alcohol rehab and detox center today at (424) 234-2027 to discuss your personalized addiction treatment plan. We accept most major and private insurance plans and will work with you to navigate your coverage to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Our admissions staff looks forward to speaking with you.
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