When it comes to finding an alternative therapy for drug and alcohol addiction or mental health disorders, think horses. The benefits of equine therapy are well respected for all aspects of therapy, and for some, it can be one of the most encouraging types of therapy available. It is important to consider how a holistic approach can help you. At Serenity Light Recovery, we can offer comprehensive care.
What Are the Benefits of Equine Therapy?
What is the therapeutic value of horses? If you’ve always loved horses, it’s easy to see how this may help you. These animals help reduce stress and can help you by providing a solid bond. Yet, even for those who have never engaged with horses before, there are key benefits of equine therapy. Those benefits may include these benefits.
- Horses can mirror the emotions of humans, making them feel more caring and loving.
- They can help you heal from psychological trauma and difficult times through companionship.
- Many people find taking care of them to be rewarding and good for their overall building of responsibilities.
- Some people feel they can reduce stress. There is evidence that they can help to reduce blood pressure.
- They require us to communicate clearly with them, which often helps people to learn how to communicate about their feelings and thoughts more openly.
What Happens During Equine Therapy Sessions?
It’s important to know that equine therapy does not replace other forms of therapy. It cannot take the place of evidence-based care. Yet, it can be a holistic approach to your needs. The benefits of equine therapy occur when you are in a professional program, one that is specifically designed for therapy needs.
Generally speaking, people who engage in this type of alternative therapy will spend time with horses, learning to care for them, and bonding with them. It is not just about riding them, but brushing them and caring for them on a large scale. You don’t do this alone but with other people who are trained in this area.
What Will a Holistic Approach Like This Do for You?
There are many reasons to engage in a holistic approach to therapy for your needs. One of the key benefits that we often focus on in treatment is helping you to identify your feelings. This is something horses can help you to do. When men and women using drugs or alcohol start to break free from their addiction, they often find it hard to open up and talk about what’s happening to them and what they are experiencing.
Since horses do such a good job of helping to mirror the way we feel, and you’ll see that in the experiences you have with them, it can help you to see what’s really happening. This can help you ask questions of yourself about what’s really happening.
Explore Our Comprehensive Treatment Programs
When it comes to the benefits of equine therapy, they can only occur when you are working through other therapies as well. We offer a range of these holistic approaches and alternative therapy options such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Yoga therapy programs
- SMART recovery program
- Biofeedback therapy programs
Each of these and the other approaches we offer can help you to see what’s happening. Each one gives you an ability to learn and grow in your recovery.
Explore the Benefits of Equine Therapy at Serenity Light Recovery
The benefits of equine therapy are many, but what’s most important is taking that first step in getting help. With both an evidence-based and holistic approach to treatment available, our team at Serenity Light Recovery can provide you with the success you desire. Learn more about our alternative therapy and other programs by calling (281) 431-6700 today.
As our CEO, Heather’s main calling is to stay true to the vision of the organization, which is saving lives and striving to redefine statistics by raising the standard of care with evolving treatment methods. Heather studied psychology at LSU and both the main and Clear Lake campuses of the University of Houston, and she is a certified IASIS provider and CPI instructor. She’s been helping people in recovery since 2011. Heather’s motto to live by is “I am not what I’ve done; I am what I’ve overcome.”