EQUINE THERAPY

Equine-Assisted Therapy & Counseling in Michigan

At McCaskill Family Services, we recognize that every individual’s journey to mental health and well-being is unique. That’s why we are dedicated to offering a diverse range of mental health treatment options, including our innovative equine assisted psychotherapy program.

McCaskill Family Services is excited to team up with Honeycomb Equestrian in Howell, Michigan, to offer Equine Therapy in southeast Michigan.

We are committed to helping children, teens, and adults achieve lasting well-being. Through our partnerships and the compassionate guidance of our team, clients engage in equine assisted learning and therapy that promotes physical, emotional, and occupational growth. If you or a loved one are seeking a unique and supportive approach to mental health, we invite you to discover the many benefits of equine assisted psychotherapy and experience the transformative impact it can have on your life.

Request Information

What Is Equine Therapy?

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAT) is different from therapeutic riding. Much of EAT is conducted from the ground, though riding can be incorporated based on the specific therapeutic need. This form of assisted therapy involves interactions with horses through guided activities, allowing clients to gain direct feedback on their emotions and behaviors. Horses are remarkably sensitive to human emotions and can mirror human feelings, helping clients recognize and change self-defeating negative thoughts and problematic behaviors. This process promotes emotional regulation, improves behavior, and supports occupational growth, all within a non-judgmental and gentle setting.

Our specially trained psychologists and equine therapists work closely with each client to tailor therapy sessions to their specific needs, whether they are coping with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or behavioral issues. The equine assisted services we offer are designed to foster significant improvements in a short amount of time, helping people feel happier, more connected, and empowered in their everyday lives. We believe that everyone deserves access to effective mental health treatment, and our programs are structured to be both accessible and affordable, with options for individual and group therapy. This type of therapy involves interactions between patients and horses in guided activities such as grooming, feeding, leading, mounting, and riding to improve behavior, thought processes, and emotional control.

Many equine-assisted therapy sessions focus on groundwork, and actual riding is not always required. Horses are highly attuned to body language, energy, and emotional cues, making non-verbal communication a key part of the therapeutic process. Each equine-assisted therapy session costs $295.

Equine Assisted Therapy is a treatment that promotes physical, emotional and occupational growth. Organizations like the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) set industry standards for professionals in this field. Equine assisted therapies incorporate activities with horses to enhance both physical and mental health. Equine facilitated psychotherapy is particularly effective for children and teens dealing with trauma, anxiety, and depression,

LOCATION & ADDRESS

Equine therapy sessions take place at:

Honeycomb Equestrian
2800 E. Allen Rd., Howell, 48855

Please note that this is a private address, accessible by appointment only.

Equine-Assisted Therapy Groups

Equine Emotion Regulation Skills Group – Starting June 10th

Mindfulness Equine Group – Friday Evenings

What Are the Benefits of Equine Therapy?

Studies have shown that equine therapy has been successful in helping children, teens and adults make significant improvements in a short amount of time in the following areas:

Confidence

Self- Esteem

Assertiveness

Anger Management

Social Skills and Communication

Emotional Awareness

Empathy

Stress Management

Flexibility

Impulse Control

Anxiety Management

Problem-Solving Skills

Independence

Improved Mood

Interpersonal Relationships

Equine-assisted therapy programs are structured to achieve various therapeutic goals.

These goals include mental health treatment, physical therapy, and skill-building, highlighting the positive impacts on self-esteem, emotional regulation, and physical abilities.

Horses are astute at reading human emotions, and people often turn to animals for comfort.

Horses are by nature accepting and non-judgmental. They can mirror human emotions and behavior and will respond to negativity, therefore encouraging the client to be calm, open, gentle, and aware.

Equine therapy addresses mental and physical health goals.

Equine therapy programs involve structured therapeutic activities with horses, guided by professionals to achieve specific mental and physical health goals, addressing emotional or behavioral issues, building self-esteem, and improving physical abilities.

Therapeutic horseback riding, a form of equine therapy, promotes motor learning and essential daily life skills, and is particularly beneficial for individuals with disabilities.

Equine therapy offers opportunities for direct feedback.

While working with horses under the guidance and supervision of an equine therapist, equine therapy patients have a unique and effective opportunity to get direct feedback on their pattern of problematic behaviors, self-defeating negative thoughts, and actions. These insights and skills then translate to everyday life, and people feel happier, more connected, and successful.

History and Development of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) has a rich history that dates back to the 1960s, when therapists first began incorporating horses into their treatment plans. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that EAP started to gain recognition as a distinct and valuable form of therapy.

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, a non-profit organization, has been instrumental in promoting and standardizing EAP practices. Through their efforts, EAP has evolved into a respected adjunct to traditional talk therapy, offering a unique and experiential approach to mental health treatment. Today, equine-assisted psychotherapy is celebrated for its ability to foster emotional growth, enhance self-awareness, and provide a supportive environment for individuals seeking mental health support.

Visit PATH International