Equine Assited Counseling (EAC)

Equine-Assisted Counseling (EAC) - we do this! 

This is a mental health or personal growth approach that incorporates horses into counseling sessions.

Key features:

• Led by a mental health professional

• Focuses on emotional insight, behavior patterns, relationships, and self-awareness

Examples:

• Exploring boundaries by observing how a horse responds to your body language

• Working through trust, communication, or emotional regulation with a horse present

Think of this as counseling alongside horses, where the horse acts more like a mirror than a treatment device

• Equine-assisted counseling = psychotherapy enhanced by horse interaction
  
  

Equine Therapy- ( this is not us)

This is a medical or clinical treatment that uses horses as part of a healthcare plan.

Key features:

• Led by a licensed healthcare professional (e.g., physical therapist, occupational therapist, mental health clinician)

• Often called Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) or Hippotherapy (when focused on PT/OT/speech)

• Horses are used intentionally to achieve clinical goals
  
  

Examples:

• A physical therapist using a horse’s movement to improve balance or muscle tone
  Think of this as therapy with horses, where the horse is a treatment tool and progress is formally measured.