One of our most enjoyed evidence-based treatment activities is our twice-weekly Equine Therapy in Utah. This therapy involves personal interactions with horses to help promote healing and emotional growth in addiction patients. Equine therapy is a great tool for helping those suffering from not only addiction but also ADD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental and physical abuse issues.
“I have had many ‘talk therapies’ in my life, but this was totally different and very powerful – I could step away from my usual intellectualizing and just be and maybe it was this that enabled me to gain so much insight and to really ‘cut through’ stuff. This therapy has really changed things for me. I have noticed less fear and more inner stability.” (client with history of domestic violence and mental health diagnosis, after six one-hour EAGALA sessions).
Equine therapy has been around for nearly 60 years. At Spirit Mountain Recovery (SMR), equine therapy is beneficial for those with drug and alcohol abuse disorder, ADD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental and physical abuse issues.
Horses are beautiful, intelligent, and intuitive animals known to develop loyal bonds with humans. Spending time in nature with horses promotes a relaxed feeling of calmness and well-being. Plus, equine therapy helps develop patience, confidence, communication, and trust.
Equine therapy for drug addiction in Utah is gaining popularity as more people seek a holistic therapeutic approach to healing from substance abuse and other mental and physical afflictions. There is much to learn from this exciting therapy that is making a resurgence.
Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, became popular in America during the 1960s as a type of physical therapy. However, before long, equine therapy’s many mental and emotional benefits became apparent. By the mid-1990s, mental health experts began experimenting with equine therapy for various mental health disorders. Therapists began using equine therapy for anxiety disorder treatments and other conditions.
Due to the strong correlation between addiction and mental health, equine therapy for drug addiction in Utah was found to be an effective, evidence-based therapy for substance addiction. Many who have struggled with addiction have benefited from a healing environment with specially trained horses, equine therapists, and mental health professionals. A 2022 study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies concluded that equine therapy for addiction treatment is effective in improving emotional regulation, self-efficacy, and self-esteem.
Residential treatment centers with equine therapy offer a unique approach to addiction recovery and a positive experience. At Spirit Mountain Recovery, each patient interacts with a horse while our trained therapist observes the patient’s behavior, emotional reactions, and thought patterns. While equine therapy is not a replacement for treatments prescribed by licensed physicians, equine therapy in Utah has proven successful therapy for many patients.
Nearly everyone can benefit from equine-assisted therapy, especially those dealing with mental health disorders or addiction to alcohol and drugs. While this therapy option isn’t perfect for every patient, there is much to gain for those who find an equine therapy program is the right approach for them on their recovery journey.
The benefits of equine therapy include:
While talk therapy and other counseling services are beneficial, Spirit Mountain Recovery’s equine therapy in Utah is unique. Working with horses improves trust, self-confidence, mindfulness, and personal empowerment.
Since horses are naturally pack animals, they intuitively pick up on and respond to people’s feelings, including fear, anger, sadness, or anxiety. Ultimately, equine therapy for anxiety and mental health offers a spiritual connection to a trained, calming animal for recovery of the body, mind, and spirit.
Horses are social animals with distinct personalities. The trained horses in equine therapy are mentally and physically prepared to respond to their surroundings and those around them.
Therefore, clients, horses, and trained equine specialists can work together on specific treatment plans that utilize the animals to meet the client’s particular needs. Residential treatment centers with equine therapy in Utah offer three popular approaches to harnessing the healing power of horses:
The therapists often tailor the therapies to suit the individual needs of the patient and the personality of the horse to help achieve the highest levels of success.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, equine therapy at Spirit Mountain Recovery is one of many roads leading to your long-term recovery. Located on a breathtaking mountainside in Eden Valley, Utah, our patients experience nature with animals for healing of the body and mind.
Our clients say they are treated like family and feel right at home. If healing in a judgment-free center in beautiful surroundings with the bonus of magnificent horses sounds good, reach out to our kind and compassionate staff to see if equine therapy is right for you.
Spirit Mountain Recovery is the place to regain your freedom and renew your life. Contact us today.
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Testimonials
Dan has worked as a licensed therapist, both publicly and privately, in the behavioral health field for the past 20 years. He specializes in the treatment of young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, family discord, Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), relational struggles, and a variety of learning disabilities. Dan utilizes various therapeutic modalities in his practice including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Relationship-Based Therapy and Existentialism. He has been a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor since 2009.
Dan in his leisure time is an avid mountain biker, skier, trail runner, and golfer. He has also traveled extensively throughout his life to Nepal, Switzerland, Thailand, Italy and Costa Rica.
They have the best team of staff and doctors on this planet. I am proud to say I am a recovering addict because of their amazing skills and treatment. They have changed my life completely and I could not have done it without them! Thank you for guiding me and paving the path for me to find my true self, and what I am capable of. You are all my family and friends.J.T.