First Responder Equine-Assisted Group Therapy
Program Overview
First responders face unique stressors—exposure to trauma, high-pressure environments, and emotional isolation. This open, ongoing Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) group is designed specifically for first responders seeking emotional support, stress reduction, and connection with others who understand their world.
Sessions take place weekly in a peaceful, natural setting and involve ground-based work with horses—no riding required. Participants are guided through a blend of experiential equine activities, reflective discussion, and mental wellness practices facilitated by licensed clinicians and equine specialists.
The group is structured so that each session stands alone, meaning first responders can attend as often as they are able without feeling behind. Themes such as trust, regulation, grief, identity, and recovery from cumulative stress are explored through activities and interactions with the horses.
Group Features:
- Open enrollment (drop-in friendly)
- 90-minute weekly sessions
- Trauma-informed, nonjudgmental approach
- Licensed clinician and equine specialist co-facilitate
- No prior horse experience required
- Groundwork-based, non-riding interactions
Mental Health Themes Addressed:
- Burnout and compassion fatigue
- Grief and loss
- Hypervigilance and nervous system regulation
- Identity and purpose outside the badge
- Connection and trust building
- Emotional processing through experiential learning
Ideal Participants
- Police, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, and other emergency personnel
- Both active duty and retired
- Individuals seeking therapeutic support in a less traditional, more experiential setting
Key Outcomes
- Increased emotional awareness and regulation
- Peer support and validation in a trusted space
- Connection with horses and nature as calming influences
- Personal insight without pressure to “talk it out”