Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a short term, experiential, solution focused therapy that challenges the client in non-threatening ways, creating opportunities for growth in responsibility, problem solving, anger management, self-esteem and relationship building.

EAP is not about learning to handle or ride horses. It is a fresh, new approach to Counseling that recognizes the unique qualities horses offer. Horses give immediate, honest and observable feedback. Horses get our attention. They bring us with them into the present moment.

Sessions are tailored to the personal comfort zone of each client. As comfort increases, new tasks or goals are assigned to be accomplished in relation with the horses, (such as getting the horses to move from one side of the arena to the other without touching them). Through these types of interactions, feelings, behavior patterns and unexamined assumptions often surface. This creates opportunities for the client to experiment with different approaches and to be able to immediately and directly experience the results.

EAP is a powerful adjunct to existing therapies. We work with individuals, couples, families or groups. Team building for the work place, Grief Groups and Parenting Groups are just a few of the possibilities.

"EAP works well as an adjunct to existing therapy. It has a way of stirring up stuff, and cutting to the chase and can add energy and conversation pieces to office sessions. The benefit of being outside with the horses is that the sessions are physical and experiential, so when it becomes clear when a standard m.o. isn't getting the desired results, there's the option of experimenting and trying out different approaches and there's something about  physical activity that anchors new behavior. 

"I find it very effective with couples because it clarifies how they each can have their own approach to solving problems and still work together. They get more clarity on how their non-verbal behavior affects each other, and what they're communicating without maybe being aware of it.

"With kids, it is child-centered play therapy with the arena as the sand tray. And with teenagers, even if they have shut out adults, they often still care about what horses think.  They are interested in knowing what could be preventing their ability to form a relationship with the horses and this translates into social situations in life.

"In the sessions we want the client to tell their own story and to let it unfold. We follow where they go. There’s a certain synchronicity to it that’s hard to explain. We trust the process and give space for the clients to unfold their experience in their own time and their own way." DeAnn

EAGALA is a world wide organization committed to the establishement of excellence in Equine Assisted Therapy.

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You can find out more by going to: www.eagala.org.

is offering the following groups May through November 2009:
Art and Horses	Women and Horses	Team Building
Parenting	Girls and Horses	Grief Processing

Sessions can be scheduled for individuals, teams or groups.
Sessions will be held at facilities in Ranchos de Taos,
including the Equine Spirit Sanctuary

For more information or to schedule a session, contact DeAnn:

DeAnn Hall, M.A., LPCC Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Eagala Certified Level 11 Email: deann.3@hotmail.com Cost and Payment Policy

(575) 758-4179