Healing Through Hooves - Equine Assisted Counseling In Trauma Recovery
Updated: 3 days ago
Equine Assisted Counseling (EAC) is a specialized form of mental health therapy that harnesses the power of the human-equine relationship to promote mental health and emotional well-being. Often grouped under the umbrella term "equine therapy," this approach is part of a broader group of related industries included under the unifying term “Equine-Assisted Services” (EAS), which encompasses a range of services aimed at improving clients' physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning. According to the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), the EAS industries can be divided into three distinct areas: therapy, learning, and horsemanship.
Therapy involves licensed healthcare professionals using client-equine interactions to support clinical or functional goals and includes the fields of counseling, psychotherapy, physical therapy, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology. Learning focuses on promoting social-emotional growth and educational development, facilitated by trained educators or mental health professionals trained in psychoeducation. Horsemanship includes therapeutic horsemanship, adaptive riding, carriage driving, and interactive vaulting designed for individuals with disabilities, led by qualified equine professionals. To avoid confusion, organizations like PATH Intl. recommend distinguishing between these services by their specific names rather than broadly labeling them as "equine therapy" to avoid confusion for consumers, clients, and other stakeholders.
Equine Assisted Counseling specifically involves licensed mental health professionals such as licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other types of licensed mental health professionals. The specific types of mental health professionals recognized may vary by state or country. These professionals work with equine specialists to address mental health-related treatment goals through interactions with equines, offering an alternative to traditional office-based approaches.
At a time when we are facing a global mental health crisis, EAC offers an innovative way to help individuals who may struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already rising rates of mental health challenges, creating significant barriers to treatment. Suicide rates have surged, and many people, particularly youth, marginalized groups, and military veterans, are at heightened risk of severe mental health difficulties.
The therapeutic potential of horses lies in their unique ability to sense and respond to human emotions. Through nonverbal communication and their naturally empathic, nonjudgmental presence, equines create a safe space for clients to explore their feelings, develop trust, and build resilience. For trauma survivors, especially, these qualities of equine assisted counseling can provide a powerful path to healing that goes beyond what traditional talk therapy alone can offer. As the demand for alternative therapeutic approaches continues to grow, EAC is gaining recognition for its effectiveness in trauma recovery and beyond.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma is a deeply distressing experience that can have lasting emotional, psychological, and physical effects, often overwhelming an individual's ability to cope. It can result from direct experiences such as accidents, natural disasters, violence, or abuse, as well as from witnessing such events, hearing about them from loved ones, or repeated exposure to traumatic aftermath, such as experienced by first responders or healthcare workers.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a trauma response following exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. This exposure can occur through direct experience, witnessing the event, learning about it from close family or friends, or through repeated exposure to distressing details, such as in professional settings. Trauma is characterized by an intense sense of helplessness and fear, and the effects can vary widely based on individual factors such as age, past experiences, cultural background, and support systems. Common traumatic events include auto accidents, sexual assault, childhood abuse, invasive medical procedures, natural disasters, military combat, mass violence, and witnessing domestic violence, but trauma is subjective and affects each person differently.
The effects of trauma can be immediate or delayed, and may manifest in both emotional and physical symptoms. Many people who experience trauma report feelings of shock, denial, or disbelief in the initial stages, which may evolve into more enduring symptoms such as sadness, anger, irritability, fear, or numbness. In the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, an individual may develop Acute Stress Disorder. If symptoms continue to persist over time, trauma can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Complex trauma is particularly pervasive and can result from repeated exposure to traumatic events, such as ongoing abuse or neglect. This type of trauma often begins early in life and can disrupt a child’s development, leading to a wide range of difficulties, including emotional dysregulation, relationship challenges, and cognitive impairments. In these cases, the effects of trauma may be deeply ingrained, affecting an individual’s sense of self, their relationships, and their ability to cope with stressors later in life.
A crucial area of study in trauma research is the understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These are harmful or traumatic events that occur during childhood and have long-lasting impacts on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical health. The higher an individual’s ACE score—the number of adverse experiences they’ve encountered during childhood—the greater their likelihood of developing health complications later in life. High ACE scores have been linked to chronic health problems like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, as well as mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, individuals with high ACE scores are at greater risk for substance abuse, relationship difficulties, violence, and even suicide. ACEs affect people across all racial and ethnic groups, socioeconomic statuses, and geographic regions, underscoring the widespread nature of childhood trauma.
ACEs science goes beyond simply identifying childhood trauma; it explores how these adverse experiences affect brain development, how they impact long-term physical and mental health, and how trauma can even alter genetic expression in ways that are passed down through generations. This is known as epigenetic trauma, a relatively new field that studies how trauma may affect gene function without altering the DNA itself, and how these changes can be inherited by future generations. Trauma has profound effects on the brain and body, with research showing that early exposure to trauma can rewire the brain’s response to stress, leaving individuals more vulnerable to mental health disorders and chronic diseases.
Despite the overwhelming impact trauma can have, there is hope. The brain’s plasticity, or its ability to adapt and rewire itself, means that healing is possible. Research into trauma-informed care and resilience-building practices shows that with the right support, individuals can recover from trauma, rebuild their lives, and even regain a sense of safety and empowerment. Resilience research highlights how practices like therapy, mindfulness, and supportive environments can help individuals who have experienced trauma heal, regain control over their lives, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Equine assisted counseling can help foster resilience and reduce the long-term impacts of trauma.
Why Equines in Trauma Work
Incorporating human-equine interaction into trauma-informed therapy is a beneficial approach to treating trauma, as equines possess a unique ability to form deep emotional connections with people. Interaction with equines, and animals in general, has been linked to numerous physiological benefits for people, including positive changes in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as the reduction of stress hormones. These interactions also release oxytocin, often called the "bonding hormone," fostering feelings of connection and safety. Such biological responses play a vital role in mental health, creating a calming environment that allows individuals to feel more at ease, thereby reducing situational anxiety. This often makes clients more open to engaging in the counseling process, while also helping to build trust and rapport between the client and treatment team, an essential foundation for effective therapy.
One of the key reasons equines are so effective in trauma therapy is their ability to read and respond to human emotional states. Equines are capable of recognizing and responding to different human emotions by reading body language, facial expressions, heart rate, breathing rate, scent, and tone of voice. Equines, as highly empathic and intuitive animals, offer authentic, nonjudgmental feedback that embodies the core conditions for successful therapy. Much like humans, equines are social animals who thrive in groups, making them relatable to clients. For trauma survivors who may struggle with trust and communication, the nonverbal nature of interactions with equines offers therapeutic engagement that does not rely solely on words. This alternative form of communication can help clients who may find it difficult to express themselves verbally, providing them with an opportunity to connect emotionally through touch, presence, and interaction with the equine.
Engaging with equines can also foster a strong sense of empowerment and increased self-efficacy. Many trauma survivors can relate to the equine’s "fight-or-flight" mentality, as both humans and equines can share similar responses to perceived threats. This shared experience allows the client to feel a sense of safety and acceptance when in the presence of the equine. Clients often feel a greater sense of control when interacting with equines, which can be empowering, especially for those who may have felt powerless in their traumatic experiences. Building this connection encourages the development of self-confidence, self-esteem, and resilience, as clients experience firsthand the impact of their presence and actions on another living being.
Equines also offer clients the opportunity to practice essential life skills such as setting boundaries and being assertive in a safe and supportive environment. Through activities with the equines, clients gain valuable insights into their emotions, improving their emotional regulation and helping them process feelings related to their trauma. The interaction with equines lowers the stigma often associated with traditional office-based therapy, making it more approachable for many individuals. As clients form healing relationships with these animals, they experience personal growth in their ability to establish healthy relationships with others, ultimately facilitating deeper interpersonal skills and improved mental health outcomes.
Equine Assisted Counseling in Practice
Relational Equine-Partnered Counseling (REPC) is a therapeutic approach that integrates interactions with equines to address mental health issues, including trauma, in working with adult and adolescent clients. REPC has demonstrated significant benefits for managing trauma, including post-traumatic stress, by leveraging the unique relational dynamics between clients and equines.
In REPC, the term “relational” emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship between clients and equines, viewing equines as true partners in the counseling process. Both the client’s relationship with the treatment team and the equine are crucial. Equines are seen as sentient beings whose experiences and responses play a significant role in the therapeutic process.
REPC is grounded in established counseling practices and incorporates elements such as trauma processing, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and mindfulness. Unlike traditional horsemanship, REPC focuses on using equine interactions to support therapeutic goals, rather than developing horsemanship skills. REPC leverages the interaction with equines to offer clients profound insights and skill development. The equines' grounding and soothing presence helps clients remain present, even when navigating upsetting or traumatic experiences. By responding in a clear and nonjudgmental manner, the equines assist clients in recognizing and understanding their emotions, as well as connecting thoughts, feelings, and bodily experiences. Sessions provide clients with opportunities to learn and practice essential skills such as mindfulness, communication, and decision-making with the equines. Moreover, these interactions serve as a microcosm of the client’s broader life, allowing them to explore and process patterns of thinking, behavior, and relationships, and ultimately discover healthier ways to engage with the world.
Equine-Partnered Play Therapy for young children integrates the evidence-based approach of Child-Centered Play Therapy with interactive experiences involving specially trained miniature horses. Children aged 4 and older enter an outdoor “play area” where they can engage with both traditional play therapy toys and miniature horses. While some children may articulate their thoughts and feelings verbally, for others, play serves as a more natural and developmentally appropriate medium for self-expression. In this therapeutic setting, play acts as the child's language, with toys representing their words. By incorporating miniature horses into the therapy, children have the chance to interact with these animals not only as peers, but also by enabling them to express themselves indirectly by projecting their thoughts and emotions onto the horses. The presence of the animals provides a comforting and motivating environment, encouraging children to participate actively. Additionally, the equines offer nonjudgmental but clear feedback, which helps children build confidence, develop social skills, enhance empathy, and improve problem-solving abilities. This dynamic interaction not only supports emotional expression but also fosters greater self-awareness and personal growth.
Equine Assisted Counseling Practitioners
In equine assisted counseling, the collaboration between mental health professionals and equine specialists is vital to creating a secure and effective therapeutic environment for both clients and equines. In some cases, both roles are played by the same person if dually-qualified as an independent licensed mental health professional and a qualified equine professional.
The Mental Health Professional (MHP)
The MHP plays a central role in ensuring the client's emotional safety and adherence to legal and ethical standards. First and foremost, the MHP must have received formalized training in equine assisted counseling (EAC) followed by practice under the supervision of an EAC supervisor. The MHP must ensure that all counseling services comply with federal and state laws, maintain appropriate professional malpractice insurance, and manage the informed consent process, which includes specific aspects related to the involvement of equines. The mental health professional should be adept at navigating the inherent power differential in therapeutic relationships and be mindful of how this dynamic may be influenced by the presence of an equine specialist and the equines themselves.
They are also responsible for establishing policies that prevent dual or multiple relationships in this non-traditional counseling setting and should possess a thorough understanding of the potential impact of these dynamics. Furthermore, they need to be skilled in creating a culturally inclusive environment, recognizing that clients from diverse backgrounds may have different perspectives on human-animal interactions and may experience the inclusion of equines in counseling in varied ways.
The MHP collaborates closely with the equine specialist to ensure that established policies are properly implemented and understood. They lead post-session debriefings to review and reflect on the session, addressing any emerging transference or countertransference issues that may affect the client or the therapeutic process. This collaborative review helps in planning future sessions and ensures continuous improvement in the counseling approach.
The Equine Specialist (ES)
The ES is tasked with maintaining the physical safety of all participants and ensuring the emotional well-being of the equines. They must adhere to legal requirements for equine interactions, such as posting necessary signage and using appropriate waiver and release forms that clearly communicate the risks associated with working with equines. Additionally, the ES must ensure proper equine liability insurance is maintained.
In the session area, the ES ensures that the environment is free from hazards that could endanger either humans or equines. They are responsible for selecting equines who are suitable for therapy, excluding any that display dangerous or aggressive behaviors. They must also be proficient in recognizing and responding to signs of equine stress, irritability, or discomfort to prevent potential issues that could arise during sessions.
Equally important is the ES’ ethical responsibility to advocate for the equine’s welfare. This includes ensuring that equines’ basic needs—such as access to food, water, and shelter—are met and that they are in good health, with no preexisting conditions that could be exacerbated by their participation in counseling. They must also be attuned to the equines' emotional safety, ensuring that their treatment is respectful of their sentience and does not induce physical or emotional distress. By closely monitoring the equines’ responses during sessions, the equine specialist can make necessary adjustments to maintain a supportive environment for both the client and the equines.
The Story of Marcus
Marcus* returned from Iraq with deep emotional scars from the horrors he had witnessed—innocent lives lost, the suffering of his comrades, and the ever-present fear of attack. His homecoming was anything but welcoming; his wife, Rachel, had become a stranger, unable to understand the demons tormenting him and the nightmares that plagued his nights. Their relationship, once strong, fractured under the weight of his trauma, leading to a painful divorce that marked the end of what he had hoped would be a lifetime together.
Desperate for relief, Marcus found a glimmer of hope in STEPS With Horses, an equine assisted mental health program in Fort Worth, Texas. Initially, he struggled to connect with the horses, feeling as distant from them as he did from the life he once knew. During one particularly difficult day, after a raw outburst of anguish where he screamed his pain into the stillness of the ranch, the horses scattered—except for Maggie, the boss mare. In a surprising display of gentleness, Maggie approached Marcus, offering a nudge of comfort that bridged the emotional chasm he had been unable to cross. This moment of connection began to unravel his deep-seated fears and traumas, and with Maggie's support and the program's compassionate guidance, Marcus started to confront his inner demons, gradually finding healing and resilience through this profound and unexpected bond with the horses.
*Name and details changed to protect client privacy
Hallie Sheade, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S
Executive Director of S.T.E.P.S. With Horses
Dr. Hallie Sheade is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist with a PhD in Counseling from the University of North Texas. With over 30 years of experience working with horses, she is also a PATH Intl. Faculty Member and a credentialed Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Dr. Sheade authored the book Equine-Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy: Healing Through Horses. She serves as the Executive Director of STEPS With Horses, a nonprofit providing equine-assisted mental health services in Fort Worth, Texas, and offers professional training through Equine Connection Counseling. She can be contacted at hallie@stepswithhorses.org.
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This article is from the September issue of Equine Business Magazine
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