Back to the library
🌲
NatureOverview
Equine-Facilitated Therapy
Ground-based work with horses guided by a mental health clinician, no riding required.
Evidence-informed
Format
Individual or group
Session
60 to 90 minutes
Touch
optional
Cost
$$$
What this experience is like in depth
Equine-Facilitated Therapy is a nature-based approach. It is a therapeutic modality where a licensed clinician and an equine specialist work with clients alongside horses, usually on the ground. It works with the understanding that healing is not only about insight but also about what is felt, witnessed, and released in the body, relationships, and environment. In a session, you interact with horses in an arena, approaching, grooming, leading, while the therapist reflects on what emerges. You will walk, breathe, approach and touch horses, stand in silence. This is offered either one-on-one or in a group setting, typically 60 to 90 minutes, and touch is optional and always negotiated. People often choose this when they are carrying Trauma, Shame, Family Wounds, Identity Loss, and Relationship Pain. Over time, this work can become a way of relating to yourself with less fear and more capacity.
Who it may help
TraumaShameFamily WoundsIdentity LossRelationship Pain
Overview
A therapeutic modality where a licensed clinician and an equine specialist work with clients alongside horses, usually on the ground.
What happens during a session
You interact with horses in an arena, approaching, grooming, leading, while the therapist reflects on what emerges.
What you physically do
Walk, breathe, approach and touch horses, stand in silence.
Typical session length
60 to 90 minutes
Insurance
Sometimes covered when the provider bills through insurance. Ask the provider before booking.
Questions to ask before booking
- ?Is the therapist licensed?
- ?What certification does the equine specialist hold?
- ?How are the horses cared for?
Possible risks & safety notes
Look for programs with a licensed mental health clinician on the team, not only a horse trainer. Ask about horse welfare.
Licensing & who to search for
Licensed mental health clinician + certified equine specialist (e.g. EAGALA, Natural Lifemanship)
Try these search terms:
- "equine-facilitated psychotherapy"
- "EAGALA certified therapist"
- "equine therapy for trauma"
Related modalities
Full guide in progress
This entry has the essentials so you can start researching safely. A deeper guide, with history, common myths, FAQs, and further reading, is coming.