Equine Therapy Programs in Tucson, Arizona

Equine Therapy For Addiction and Mental health Treatment

At Sabino Recovery, we offer an exceptional equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) program as part of our comprehensive mental health treatment. Our unique trauma-centered approach to equine therapy includes both traditional groundwork and horseback riding, setting us apart from other programs.

Residents are able to participate in group or individual horse therapy sessions and work closely with our masters-level and EAGALA-certified equine therapist. Here, we not only combine evidence-based modalities with experiential treatment but we also offer naturopathic and allopathic medicine, creating a holistic treatment program designed to treat the root cause of your struggles, not just the symptoms.

Equine therapy programs offer many benefits for those with mental health disorders. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier life. Contact Sabino Recovery today!

a mental health and addiction therapy horse

The History of Equine Assisted Therapy

The therapeutic benefits of spending time around horses date back as early as 460 B.C. and ancient Greek literature documented specifically the therapeutic value of horseback riding. In the 20th century, animal-assisted therapies started gaining traction, with equine therapy emerging as a prominent therapeutic approach.

Equine-assisted therapies involve activities such as horse care and riding, which can help with emotional, behavioral, and cognitive challenges. Engaging in these activities with horses can evoke a heightened awareness of your surroundings and promote a path for self-discovery in the therapeutic process.

Today, equine therapy is practiced worldwide and is recognized for its effectiveness in helping people overcome a wide range of substance use disorders and mental health issues.

Benefits of Equine Therapy

Equine therapy, under the guidance of a mental health and addiction treatment professional, offers a wide array of benefits that may not be experienced in traditional talk therapy. The ability to ride a horse during equine therapy offers numerous advantages for overall emotional, mental, and physical health. Some of the equine therapy benefits include:

Building a relationship with a horse can boost your confidence and self-worth.

Working with horses requires creative thinking, helping you develop problem-solving abilities.

Facing and overcoming fears related to interacting with horses can translate to other areas of your life.

Horses are highly intuitive animals, which can help you become more in tune with your feelings.

Learning to communicate with horses effectively can improve your interpersonal skills.

Building a personal connection and trust with a horse can strengthen your ability to form bonds with others.

Horses can mirror your behavior, helping you become more aware of your impulses.

Your interactions with horses will provide real-time feedback on your actions and their outcomes.

Equine therapy can also aid in physical recovery, improving strength and balance.

The combination of physical activity and mental stimulation contributes to your overall well-being.

Horseback riding and equine therapy can help reduce stress, enhance core strength, help boost confidence, and provide opportunities to form a sense of community with other riders. By participating in equine-assisted psychotherapy, you can experience a unique and transformative treatment modality for your addiction or mental illness.

At Sabino Recovery, we understand the profound effects of therapeutic riding. Our experienced team ensures a nurturing and safe environment for you to reap the benefits of this remarkable therapy.

Horses Provide Emotional and Mental Support

In equine-assisted therapy, the connection you create with a horse becomes the basis for exploring how you go about your interpersonal relationships with others. Horses can help you develop better communication skills because of the simple fact that they cannot communicate with us verbally.

The challenging aspects of non-verbal communication can help provide insight into yourself and open you up to communicate in different ways; it gives a new perspective and appreciation of detail. You may think it’s silly to try to connect with a horse socially or emotionally. However, horses can help inspire you to find the desire to open up channels with past or future relationships.

Riding a horse is not the only part of creating this bond. The hard work of taking care of the horse, cleaning the horse, feeding it, and taking it out frequently helps develop that relationship further, which benefits you in your recovery.

However, this doesn’t mean the rides themselves should be ignored. Riding horses is also essential in providing therapeutic benefits. These benefits include being out in nature, getting fresh air, and being with your horse. Equine-assisted therapy can give a sense of tranquility and peace that opens the mind up through different thoughts and feelings, helping you to reassess how you feel about specific issues.

Equine Therapy for Behavioral Health Treatment at Sabino Recovery

We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive equine-assisted psychotherapy program for those with addictions or mental health disorders. At our facility, you can participate in both group and individual equine therapy sessions, which include traditional groundwork and horseback riding. The opportunity for therapeutic riding makes our program distinct from others.

With our master’s level and EAGALA-trained equine specialist, you will participate in various therapeutic exercises in a comfortable outdoor environment. This therapy focuses on both bodywork and emotion regulation as you work with these giant and peaceful animals.

Your trained therapist will give you a group or individual task to complete. They will watch your behavior and the horse’s behavior. Once the task or activity is completed, you will have a chance to process what happened. The therapist may ask you about fears or frustrations you had, how you worked through them, and how those may relate to your struggles with addiction or mental illness.

As you engage with our program, you’ll benefit from the unique bond between humans and horses, which can help foster personal growth, communication skills, and emotional well-being. Experience the transformative power of equine-assisted therapy at Sabino Recovery and embark on your journey toward improved health.

a horse with white and brown color

Equine Therapy Can Address Many Conditions

Equine therapy can be a valuable tool in the treatment of various substance use disorders and mental health conditions. It has been found to be effective in addressing issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, eating disorders, and addiction.

stone maze at our mental health program offering equine assisted treatment

Addiction often stems from underlying trauma and mental health issues, and dual diagnosis treatment may be necessary. Equine therapy can be a powerful tool in addressing these co-occurring disorders. By working with horses, individuals can learn to develop healthier coping strategies and gain insights into the underlying issues contributing to their alcohol or drug abuse. This therapeutic approach can also promote accountability and self-reflection, which can be crucial for maintaining sobriety in the long term.

Equine therapy can be particularly helpful for those suffering from anxiety. Interacting with horses can provide a calming environment that allows individuals to focus on the present moment. This can help reduce feelings of fear and worry, as well as teach coping skills and promote relaxation. Additionally, working with horses can help improve self-confidence and self-awareness, which are essential in managing anxiety.

Depression can be a debilitating mental health condition, and equine therapy offers a unique and engaging treatment approach. As individuals bond with horses, they may experience a sense of accomplishment and connection that can counter feelings of isolation and sadness. The physical activity involved in working with horses can also boost mood and provide a healthy outlet for releasing negative emotions. Moreover, equine therapy can help individuals with depression develop problem-solving skills and learn to set and achieve goals, which can foster a more positive mindset over time.

Trauma and PTSD can result from a variety of experiences, and equine therapy can be a valuable addition to traditional treatment methods. Horses are sensitive animals, and they can respond to individuals’ emotions in a non-judgmental way. This can help survivors of trauma rebuild trust and develop healthy relationships. Furthermore, working with horses can allow individuals to regain a sense of control and reclaim power over their lives. Equine therapy can also provide a safe space for individuals to process their experiences, with the horse acting as a supportive and accepting partner.

Equine therapy has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of eating disorders. Interacting with horses can help individuals recognize and address the body-image issues and emotional struggles that often accompany these conditions. By developing a relationship with a horse, individuals can learn to accept their bodies, appreciate their strengths, and develop a healthier relationship with food. Equine therapy can also provide an opportunity to practice impulse control and learn new coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and negative emotions.

Our Equine Psychotherapy in Arizona Can Help You Heal

Within our equine-assisted psychotherapy program, you are guided through interactions with our gentle horses, fostering a bond that helps you uncover deep-rooted trauma and address behavioral health challenges. Without judgment or expectations, the horses provide you with unconditional support, allowing you to work on your emotional well-being.

The relationship between you and your horse is highly beneficial to your health in all aspects. It’s an alternate way to receive therapeutic benefits in a way that makes healing feel unique. With equine-assisted therapy, you have the chance to get outdoors, move, interact with an animal, and do something that can be entertaining, all while benefiting your recovery.

By incorporating this therapeutic approach into our treatment plans, we provide you the space to enhance self-awareness, build trust, and gain valuable life skills in the nurturing company of our equine partners.

Don't hesitate to take the first step towards healing – contact Sabino Recovery today and discover the benefits of our equine therapy program.