Equine-Assisted Therapy
Children and teens often find it difficult to open up and discuss difficult emotions and experiences directly. During an equine-assisted therapy session, your child will help to take care of and lead a horse with their equine-trained mental health therapist. Animals offer an immense amount of emotional support, acceptance, and comfort in the present moment. Including a hooved friend in therapy sessions can help to build co-regulation and mindfulness skills, while also providing feedback that help children and teens learn about themselves in relation to another.
What areas of concern can Equine-Assisted Therapy help with?
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-esteem
- Stress
- Trauma
- Grief and Loss
- Social Communication
- Emotional/Behavioural regulation
What skills does Equine-Assisted Therapy help support?
- Developing relationships
- Emotional awareness
- Empathy
- Boundaries
- Self-confidence
- Trust in self and others
- Responsibility
- Assertiveness
- Problem-solving
- Coping skills
- Mindfulness
- Impulse-control
- Attention and Focus
- Communication
Does my child/teen need to have experience with a horse?
- Observing their horse’s behaviour
- Grooming and brushing
- Feeding
- Leading and walking with their horse (with direct support from their therapist)
We are partnered with the Parsons Animal Rescue Foundation in the Edmonton area.
If you have any questions or you’re looking to get started with Equine-assisted therapy, you can email, call, or submit a message using our contact form.
J. Gordon Psychology Group
Helping resolve challenging life experiences and give space for healing.