Learn empathy, communication and social skills
Equine Assisted Therapy is different from using animals to give comfort or affection. It’s also different from using service, assistance or therapy animals. Equine Assisted Therapy is used for a wide range of medical, developmental and emotional disorders, including autism.
Equine Assisted Therapy is used with positive results, particularly in helping children learn empathy, communication and social skills. It can also be used to help autistic children learn how to manage their behaviour.
One of the main benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy is the horse’s ability to act as a buffer between the client and other people. For children, this can give them valuable space so they can be more relaxed in social situations. Equine Assisted Therapy has also proven effective for a variety of speech, occupational, emotional, and other physical disabilities.
One of the most notable emotional benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy is the combined focus on the client and the horse, rather than solely focusing on the client. The focus is shared with the animal’s actions. The horse becomes the conduit between the client and the Counsellor / Therapist. This helps reduce the client’s self-consciousness and can open them up to the full benefits of therapy.
Equine Assisted Therapy can also:
- Enhance self-esteem and self-confidence
- Increase empathy, compassion, and nurturing
- Reduce stress
- Promote greater emotional stability
- Enhance bonding and trust
- Reduce anxiety and feelings of isolation or loneliness
- Increase feelings of security, happiness, and hope
- Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
In addition. there are many mental and social benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy, particularly for clients with Autism who often feel and are perceived as “different” in a negative way, which can stunt their ability to relate to others. These feelings can be reduced by the presence of a therapy horse.
For children, Equine Assisted Therapy can also:
- Facilitate personal and social development
- Help children set boundaries and respect personal space
- Improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Enhance planning and organizational skills
- Demonstrate how to take responsibility for their own actions
- Improve problem-solving skills by giving commands
- Improve levels of interest, focus, and motivation
Talk to us today to see how Equine Assisted Therapy can help you.