Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential, trauma-informed approach to therapy that combines professional counselling with meaningful interactions alongside horses in a natural outdoor environment. All activities are ground-based, with no riding involved.

Rather than being used as therapeutic tools, horses are respected as sentient partners whose natural behaviours and unique interactions can support reflection, awareness, and personal growth. Their authenticity, sensitivity, and ability to remain present in the moment can help clients recognise patterns, explore challenges, and experiment with new ways of responding to themselves, others, and the world around them.

Through carefully facilitated interactions and reflective experiences, clients are invited to explore thoughts, emotions, behaviours, relationship patterns, and life challenges while developing greater self-awareness, resilience, and connection to themselves and others.

Many clients find that experiences with horses bring insights to life in ways that can feel more immediate and meaningful than conversation alone. Working alongside horses often creates opportunities to practise new skills, build confidence, strengthen emotional awareness, and deepen understanding of relationship dynamics in a practical and memorable way.

EAP provides a safe, supportive space where clients can explore challenges without judgement, discover personal strengths, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

Session Objectives

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy supports clients to:

• Develop greater self-awareness and personal insight
• Identify and express thoughts, feelings, and needs
• Explore relationship patterns and interpersonal dynamics
• Increase emotional regulation and resilience
• Build confidence, self-efficacy, and trust
• Strengthen communication and problem-solving skills
• Practise mindfulness and present-moment awareness
• Develop new perspectives and possibilities for change

Activities and therapeutic experiences are tailored to each client’s goals, strengths, circumstances, and assessed needs.

Potential Benefits

EAP may support the development of:

• Communication skills
• Emotional regulation
• Healthy boundary awareness
• Stress management
• Anger management
• Self-confidence and self-esteem
• Problem-solving abilities
• Relationship and social skills
• Cooperation and teamwork
• Curiosity and creativity
• Mindfulness and self-reflection
• Resilience and adaptability
• Conflict resolution skills
• Greater sense of wellbeing and vitality

Many clients also appreciate the relaxed outdoor environment, often commenting that it feels different from traditional counselling while still offering meaningful therapeutic outcomes.

Why Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Many clients report that working alongside horses can:

• Encourage engagement in the therapeutic process
• Create opportunities for experiential learning
• Support increased self-awareness and insight
• Foster emotional safety and connection
• Provide immediate opportunities for reflection and feedback
• Help clients explore life challenges through metaphor and symbolism
• Enhance motivation, curiosity, and participation
• Support the development of trust, confidence, and resilience
• Offer experiences that complement traditional talking therapies

What Happens in a Session?

Sessions are facilitated by Candesa, a qualified mental health professional, alongside one or more horses.

The process may include:

• Collaborative goal setting
• Ground-based interactions with horses
• Experiential activities tailored to therapeutic objectives
• Opportunities for observation, reflection, and discussion
• Exploration of patterns, strengths, challenges, and relationships
• Processing insights and applying learning to everyday life
• Trauma-informed and client-centred therapeutic support throughout the session

Sessions typically run for 50 minutes. An initial series of sessions may be recommended before reviewing progress and future goals.

Possible Outcomes

Clients may experience:

• Reduced emotional distress
• Improved emotional awareness and regulation
• Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
• Greater body awareness and nervous system regulation
• Improved communication and relationship skills
• Enhanced resilience and coping capacity
• Greater understanding of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
• Improved ability to manage stress and life challenges
• Increased sense of connection, purpose, and wellbeing
• Greater awareness of patterns of rupture and repair in relationships

Services Available

• Individual Counselling
• Couples Counselling
• Family Counselling
• Group Programmes

Areas of Support

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy may assist individuals experiencing:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress
• Grief and Loss
• Relationship Difficulties
• Family Challenges
• Childhood Trauma
• Attachment and Relational Difficulties
• Emotional Regulation Difficulties
• Anger and Conflict
• Stress and Burnout
• Low Self-Esteem
• Social and Behavioural Challenges
• Bullying and Peer Difficulties
• Life Transitions
• Behavioural Concerns
• School Engagement Difficulties
• Neurodivergent Presentations, including ADHD and Autism
• Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation (as part of appropriate therapeutic support)
• Substance Use Concerns
• Communication Difficulties
• Personal Growth and Self-Discovery