Equine Assisted Psychology
The Equine Assisted Psychology program offered at Harnessing Wellness is developed and theoretically underpinned by positive psychology, wellness theory, trauma sensitive practices, somatic therapy, mindfulness and holistic horsemanship. It is a skills-based program to support clients learn mindfulness, emotional regulation and coping strategies. It is offered for clients over the age of 12 years old.Harnessing Wellness equine assisted psychology is in the beautiful Yarra Ranges in Mt Evelyn.
What is Equine Therapy
Equine assisted therapy (or Equine Assisted Psychology) encompasses all activities that involve horses and other equines to assist in the therapy of patients with trauma or mental health issues. It has been around since the 1960s.
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Sessions are generally at liberty with the horses. This approach is a way of being, not a training method, and is about the presence, free choice, flow and communication between the horses and the participant. Equine-human interactions with our therapy horses and ponies offer lessons in mindfulness, self–respect, clear communication, connection, self-regulation and healthy boundary setting can be explored. Harnessing Wellness EAP programs offer a practical psychological counselling option for individuals to participate in therapy emotionally, socially, physically and spiritually.
Our Therapy Horses
The horses and ponies that are included in Harnessing Wellness’s equine assisted therapy are well known to the facilitators and selected based on temperament. They have ongoing training, daily equine-human interaction and participate in learning activities. These equines like others will revert to their natural instincts to keep themselves safe and there are risks involved when working with horses. Pictured below from the left across are Trigger, Bob, Happy, Abbie, Bailey & Ted.
Who would benefit from Equine Assisted Therapy?
Anecdotal evidence, with psychological validated assessment tools, suggests equine assisted therapy can support some people.
For those interested in our Harnessing Wellness equine assisted therapy program, we are involved in collecting data for researching equine assisted therapy, which as an adjunct animal assisted therapy in its infancy in Australia. Currently there is little evidence-based research to support the efficacy of equine assisted therapy as its own therapy, so ongoing research by psychologists is important to validate working with horses in therapy.
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Harnessing Wellness Psychology, Naomi Rossthorn and associates acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First People and the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Australia. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.