Equine Therapy

Equine therapy has been shown to work more effectively if combined with other methods like experiential therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. The selflessness, concentration, and teamwork required to care for horses can boost confidence, empathy, self-awareness, and self-esteem. 

All of these things can complement the skills learned in cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy, where you focus on changing negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones that are more self-aware and accurate. 

Equine therapy, like therapeutic riding, is good exercise, and it’s a great deal of fun. Even if you have physical limitations, you can still participate in activities like therapeutic riding, where you might otherwise be limited in recreational activities. This complements many of the physical activities we include in our synergistic recovery programs, like hiking, yoga, and sand tray therapy.

You might be uncomfortable with the aspect of direct eye contact or socialization involved in sitting directly across from a therapist and talking about your emotions. In this situation, equine therapy in Kansas City allows you to avoid direct focus on conversation while still opening up.

You might be uncomfortable with sitting still during multiple individual and group therapy sessions. If so, you can go to an equine therapy drug rehab center outdoors in an environment you are more comfortable with than a sterile classroom.

You might have trouble opening up no matter where you are, but riding horses or grooming them can put you at ease. A good equine therapy recovery program can give you a chance to groom horses if that’s what you’re most comfortable with, saddle them and ride them, or just walk them during your session.