EAP For Teenagers

EAP is often not the sole form of treatment, but rather a complementary therapeutic service to be used in partnership with more traditional treatment. Many clients are already involved in traditional therapy and add equine assisted therapy to reinforce and apply their learned therapeutic skills. The primary objective of EAP is to help people develop skills such as emotional regulation, self-confidence, and responsibility.

Interacting with horses can help teens learn to regulate their emotions, which is crucial for effective communication. The need to remain calm and non-reactive around horses can improve their emotional awareness and self-control.

Depression often leads to social withdrawal and isolation. EAP provides a reason to engage with others (therapists, equine specialists, and peers). Horses are comforting social animals that can provide a source of consistency and mutual nurturance.

Cognitive-behavioral techniques are incorporated into Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to help clients talk more freely about their emotions or anxiety without feeling constrained. 

Working with horses requires trust and effective communication. Teens learn to read the horse’s body language and adjust their own behavior accordingly. This skill translates to better communication with peers, family members, and authority figures. As trust develops between the teen and the horse, it can positively impact their relationships with others. 

As teens learn to handle and connect with the horses, they often experience increased self-esteem and confidence, which can positively affect their communication abilities.

For teens who have experienced trauma, equine therapy can be especially beneficial. Trauma can create emotional barriers, affecting relationships and behavior. Equine therapy helps teens process trauma and build resilience, allowing them to move forward in a healthier way.

Interacting with horses can help teens learn to regulate their emotions, which is crucial for effective communication. The need to remain calm and non-reactive around horses can improve their emotional awareness and self-control.

Equine therapy provides a unique setting where teens can express their feelings and work through issues. The presence of horses can create a calming environment, making it easier for adolescents to open up and share their emotions. 

  Mindfulness is a foundational pillar of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment.  Practicing mindfulness helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, allowing them to regulate their emotions effectively. 

  Distress tolerance is another pillar of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It focuses on helping individuals tolerate intense emotional experiences without making things worse. Distress tolerance skills include techniques for self-soothing, distraction, and acceptance. 

  A continuation of learning and applying Distress tolerance skills. These skills are essential for managing overwhelming emotions and crises, allowing individuals to accept emotional pain and distress without trying to change or escape it. 

  Emotion regulation is a key pillar of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It focuses on helping individuals understand and manage their emotions more effectively. The skills taught in this pillar include identifying emotions, reducing emotional vulnerability, increasing positive emotions, and changing emotional responses. These skills empower individuals to navigate their emotional experiences in healthier ways. 

  A continuation of learning and applying Emotion regulation skills including mindfulness meditation, emotion labeling, deep breathing, grounding techniques, self-soothing and opposite reaction.  These skills can be practiced in effective and unique ways with the collaboration of the horse.

Interpersonal effectiveness is a crucial pillar in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It focuses on improving communication and relationships with others. The skills taught include assertiveness, active listening, and negotiation. These skills empower individuals to navigate social interactions more effectively and maintain healthy connections.