The year is almost over and that means we are getting into the time of holidays and high family stresses. As we ramp up to holiday get-togethers, some of us visiting family for the first time since COVID began, it is important to remember the toll they can take on our mental health.
Perhaps this is why October has a strong emphasis on mental health awareness. This month we celebrate:
Mental Illness Week (first week of the month)
World Mental Health Day (October 10)
World Trauma Day (October 17)
In a month like this, it makes sense that we talk about horses, mental health and how they combine to help treat anxiety, PTSD, addiction, ADHD, and much more.
What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Simply put, equine assisted therapy (EAT) marries traditional psychotherapy with the care of horses. PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) defines it as, “an interactive process in which a licensed mental health professional working with or as an appropriately credentialed equine professional partners with suitable equine(s) to address psychotherapy goals set forth by the mental health professional and the client.”
Three Ways Equine Assisted Therapy Can Help You
Also known as Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, EAT has a number of consistent positive results for patients. When used in combinations with a cognitive therapy known as DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), you may see results like:
Improved Emotional Regulation - The ability to regulate your emotions helps to navigate overwhelming feelings. This can help you recognize when those feelings are negative, which allows you control over your emotional vulnerability. When you can identify and name an emotion, you have more control over it. Emotional regulation is very important when dealing with horses, as they are intuitive animals attuned to human emotion. This interaction forces you to check in with your emotions to make sure your horse is not unnecessarily affected by your negative emotions.
Increase Distress Tolerance - Low emotional distress tolerance can lead to feeling overwhelmed by life’s stresses, both big and small, in equal measure. This leads to higher levels of anxiety. Increasing your distress tolerance can help lower your anxiety response and create healthier emotional control. The interaction with your horse helps you to stay present and in the moment. This is the practice of Mindfulness. Mindfulness is a key factor in increasing your distress tolerance.
Improved Adjustment to Routines - Having a set schedule or routine is a skill that is both a struggle and an effective treatment for many who suffer from mental health issues. Horses require a set routine as well. This means you need to adjust to their routine in order to best care for them.
How to Find a Qualified EAT Counselor or Psychotherapist
EAT usually consists of a two-person team - one certified counselor or psychotherapist and one equine specialist.
Sometimes one person may take both roles. Look for therapists and counselors that are professionally certified by reputable organizations, such as EAGALA or PATH International.
Always do your research on potential therapists. You can check online services, such as healthgrade.com or goodtherapy.org, for client reviews and other important information.
If you or a loved one is experiencing substance abuse or mental health illness, there is help available.
United States
Emergency Medical Services - 911
SAMSHSA National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Live Chat
NAMI National Alliance on Mental Health - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
NAMI Crisis Text-line - Text HOME to 741741
International
CheckPoint - Local Websites & Emergency Numbers
At HRTMedical https://hrtmedical.net/, we provide our patients with the highest quality of care possible. We specialize in hormone replacement therapy, and we are dedicated to helping our patients feel better both physically and emotionally.