According to the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) News in Health, human-animal interaction has various benefits. Animals have been shown to decrease stress and loneliness. They can also increase feelings of social support and boost an individual’s mood. One of the most amazing animals used for healing is the horse through equine therapy.
What Is Equine Therapy?
During equine therapy, horses are integrated into the therapeutic process. In this therapy, clients are instructed to groom, feed, and lead a horse under the supervision of a mental health professional.
Equine therapy has various goals, including the following:
- Developing emotional regulation skills
- Improving self-confidence
- Developing responsibility
Trust and Trauma
Trauma is a significant factor in a person’s lack of trust in others. For example, when a partner causes harm, this can lead a person not to trust other people not to hurt them.
In particular, childhood trauma can cause significant trust issues. A child relies on a stable, present parental figure. However, when they do not get this, they may learn not to trust other people. As adults, individuals may recognize that people have not historically met their needs. This results in believing no one will meet their needs.
Learning to Build Trust With Equine Therapy
Horses can be used as a tool for people to learn how to build trust. When someone struggles with trauma, they may also struggle with trusting people. However, learning to trust a horse in equine therapy can be easier than learning to trust a human.
Communication is vital for equine therapy. Individuals must learn how to develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills to work with the horse. Grooming, tacking up, and riding all require a person to express themselves. However, there is no judgment coming from a horse; this can be the first step in building trust.
As individuals see what they can accomplish in equine therapy, they can also learn to trust themselves. The therapist has also guided them through this process. Due to this, individuals may also learn to trust the therapist running the session.
Trauma can significantly affect your trust. When you have experienced a traumatic event, you may not trust other people or yourself. Equine therapy can help you overcome trauma and learn to trust again. At The Guest House, our 52-acre estate allows us to offer equine therapy to our clients. Our certified therapists have extensive experience in equine therapy and providing you with the tools you need to heal. Combined with our other treatment approaches, you can find lasting recovery at The Guest House. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 for more information.