Sarah Urwin - equine assisted therapist
“Horses are emotive animals and people are animated by the sight, sound, touch and smell of horses. They are often regarded as positively mood altering ….. without any unpleasant side effects!”
Ruth McMahon
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What are Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAAT)?
Photo of horse - Image copyright: peterurwin.com Many different professionals now work alongside horses including mental health specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists (Equine Assisted Therapy - EAT), whilst others have an educational or recreational perspective (Equine Assisted Activities - EAA).   EAA offer learning opportunities through stroking, grooming, haltering, leading, lunging or just ‘being’ with and getting to know individual ponies or horses.   EAT may involve the same tasks but the model is a medical one and usually requires the presence of a mental health practitioner and a horse specialist.   Sessions focus on the client’s mental and physical processes (feelings, behaviour patterns, body language) rather than the task itself, and opportunities for powerful metaphoric learning often arise.   As a qualified mental health professional and recreational activities teacher I am able to work with clients using either an activity or a therapy based approach, depending on needs and preferences.

Why choose EAAT?
Horses offer unconditional acceptance, they are non-judgemental and sensitive, especially to intent.   They can detect emotions, and provide immediate and honest feedback.   Most importantly horses don’t lie or hold grudges because they don't separate how they feel from how they act. Horse with woman  

EAA offers experiential learning through the development of a relationship with a horse which relies largely on mutual trust and respect.   To work successfully concentration, observation and curiosity are also necessary, so activities naturally encourage these skills.   Learning new skills, including how to manage and care for a large animal, can be empowering, thus improving self-esteem and self confidence.   There are also health benefits associated with outdoor activities.

EAT provides an alternative to conventional counselling or psychotherapy, which can be experienced as too intense or threatening.   It offers an opportunity to explore behavioural issues in a non-confrontational way, as well as encouraging verbal and non verbal communication skills.   As we become more self-aware we 'grow' as individuals and find it easier to change our perception of self and others.

When can EAAT help?
Clients who come for counselling present with issues such as low self esteem and lack of confidence, difficulties with communication, relationships and social interaction, poor coping skills, high stress levels and depression.   EAAT can be an effective brief intervention which may also be helpful for clients who are 'stuck'.   Being with horses has many healing benefits and EAAT has something to offer anyone who wants to learn more about themselves in an outdoor environment.

Horse with woman Horse with woman Horse with woman
Jess "choosing" to be with a client in an EAT session.

If you are interested in training or workshops on EAAT please see my Workshops and Training page.

For more information please contact me.

Sarah Urwin Counselling and Therapy Services
Last Updated September, 2010
Web Page by IT Solutions (its@youngsfarm.co.uk)

URL: http://www.sarahurwin.co.uk