Understanding Two Leading Models in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a growing modality in the mental health field. It uses horses to help people work through emotional challenges, improve relationships, and gain self-awareness. This approach is popular because it offers hands-on experiences that are engaging and meaningful. Two well-known organizations in this field are Eagala and Path. But when it comes to these two modalities, what are the differences?
Eagala (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) both train professionals to use horses as partners in the therapeutic process, but their models are quite different. In this blog, we’ll explore how Eagala and PATH compare and explain why the Eagala Model is an excellent choice for professionals looking to specialize in equine-assisted psychotherapy.
Understanding the Eagala Model
The Eagala Model is a standardized model of equine-assisted psychotherapy, growth, and learning. It focuses on ground-based therapy sessions, where clients interact with horses without riding. This “boots-on-the-ground” approach allows the horses to move freely and behave naturally, providing authentic, real-time feedback. The horses’ body language may reflect the emotions and behaviors of the clients, giving insight into personal struggles and relationship dynamics.
Ground-based therapy also makes sessions safer for both the client and the mental health practitioner. Without the risks of riding, professionals can work with a broader range of clients. including those that have no prior experience with horses. The Eagala approach ensures the horses are partners in the process, rather than tools, making the therapy more meaningful.
Who Benefits from the Eagala Model?
The Eagala Model helps many different types of people. Individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, or depression can use these sessions to explore their feelings in a safe, non-judgmental space. Families can work on communication and trust, while corporate teams can improve leadership and teamwork skills.
Veterans and military personnel often benefit from equine-assisted psychotherapy, as it provides an alternative way to address PTSD and other mental health challenges. By utilizing horses as partners in the therapeutic setting, the Eagala Model creates a unique experience that can reach clients who may not respond to traditional talk therapy.
The boots-on-the-ground model not only benefits clients but also gives a second life to horses that may no longer be suitable for riding. Older horses or those with injuries can thrive in this environment because they are valued for their natural behaviors and interactions, not their ability to carry a rider. This approach allows these horses to continue serving in a meaningful way, helping clients through their therapy journeys while living a fulfilling life.
Training and Certification with Eagala
Eagala offers a comprehensive certification process for mental health professionals and equine specialists. This ensures that practitioners are well-trained in the Eagala Model and can provide effective, ethical therapy and person-centered services. The certification includes hands-on experience with the model, giving professionals the confidence to apply it in real-world settings.
Eagala provides many opportunities for continuing education for a strong global network, including but not limited to live and recorded educational webinars, mentorship programs, and global events. Eagala also offers networking groups, which allow for members to interact with other members in their geographical locations. These resources help professionals stay up to date with best practices and connect with others in the field.
The Eagala Model emphasizes teamwork between the mental health practitioner and the equine specialist. Each professional brings unique expertise, ensuring the sessions are safe, effective, and focused on the client’s needs. This collaborative approach sets Eagala apart from other equine-assisted therapy models.
Advantages of the Eagala Model
One of the biggest advantages of the Eagala Model is its focus on emotional growth and mental well-being. Unlike models that prioritize physical skill-building, Eagala sessions are designed to help clients gain insight, build self-awareness, and work through personal challenges.
The ground-based model also allows clients to interact with horses in a way that feels natural and empowering. By focusing on body language and behavior, clients can see how their emotions and actions affect others, creating opportunities for growth and change.
The standardized approach of the Eagala Model ensures consistent results, whether the session takes place in the U.S., Europe, or anywhere else in the world. This reliability is a key reason why Eagala-certified professionals are highly respected in the mental health field.
The Eagala Model holds itself to the following four standards:
- A Team Approach
- Focus on the Ground
- Solution Oriented
- Code of Ethics
A Team Approach
Every Eagala session features a collaborative team that includes a licensed Mental Health Professional, a trained Equine Specialist, the horses, and the clients. This synergy ensures a comprehensive and balanced approach to therapy.
Focus on the Ground
Eagala sessions are conducted entirely on the ground—no horseback riding is involved. Carefully designed activities utilize the horses as metaphors, creating impactful and targeted experiences for clients.
Solution Oriented
At the heart of the Eagala Model is the belief that clients possess the insight and capability to find their own solutions. Through therapeutic experiences, individuals can navigate challenges, solve problems, and unlock their potential for growth.
Code of Ethics
Eagala upholds rigorous standards of ethics and practice, guided by a dedicated ethics committee and protocol. This commitment ensures that all sessions maintain the highest levels of care and professionalism.
What PATH International Offers
PATH International provides a broader range of equine-assisted activities. While Eagala focuses on psychotherapy, PATH includes therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, and equine-assisted learning. These programs often involve riding and are more physical in nature.
Therapeutic riding helps individuals with physical or cognitive challenges build skills and confidence. Hippotherapy is a medical-based practice where therapists use the horse’s movement to assist with rehabilitation. PATH also offers equine-assisted learning, which focuses on teaching life skills like leadership and communication.
PATH International provides a wide range of programs that are highly valuable, especially in the realms of therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities. Their offerings include training and certification for professionals, which help ensure quality standards across diverse applications of equine-assisted services.
While PATH’s programs have a broader focus, including physical and recreational therapies, the Eagala Model is uniquely designed for mental health professionals specializing in equine-assisted psychotherapy. Eagala’s approach emphasizes a co-facilitation model and targeted certification program that aligns specifically with mental health objectives, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to focus their practice in this area.
How PATH Differs from Eagala
The biggest difference between Eagala and PATH is the focus of their programs. PATH integrates horseback riding into its activities, while Eagala focuses entirely on groundwork. This makes Eagala sessions more accessible to people who are not comfortable riding or who prefer to stay on the ground.
Another difference is the type of growth each model emphasizes. PATH programs often focus on physical skills and development, while the Eagala Model is centered on emotional and mental health. For mental health practitioners looking to deepen their work in psychotherapy, Eagala provides a more focused and specialized approach. And where Eagala follows four standards, PATH does not have a formal code of ethics.
Why Choose the Eagala Model?
For professionals in the mental health field, the Eagala Model offers unmatched benefits. Its focus on mental health and emotional growth makes it an excellent choice for those who want to specialize in equine-assisted psychotherapy. The certification process ensures practitioners are well-trained and ready to provide effective therapy.
Eagala’s global network of support and continuing education opportunities also make it easier for professionals to grow their skills and connect with others in the field. This combination of training, support, and focus on mental health sets Eagala apart as the leader in equine-assisted growth and learning.
FAQs About Eagala and PATH
What is the main difference between Eagala and PATH?
Eagala focuses on ground-based psychotherapy, while PATH offers programs that include riding and physical therapy.
Do you need horse experience to become Eagala certified as a mental health professional?
Mental Health Professionals becoming certified in the Eagala Model can come without horse experience because they will facilitate sessions alongside a person with extensive horse experience.
What types of clients benefit from the Eagala Model?
The Eagala Model helps individuals of all ages, families, veterans, and corporate teams address emotional challenges and improve relationships.
Is Eagala only for mental health professionals?
No, both mental health practitioners and equine specialists can become certified to work together in sessions. This cofacilitating model allows each member of the team to bring their experience and expertise together to help the client and their personal growth.
Does the Eagala Model involve riding horses?
No, all Eagala sessions are ground-based to ensure safety and allow horses to interact naturally.
Is Eagala a global organization?
Yes, Eagala certifies licensed mental health practitioners worldwide and is the largest organization in equine-assisted psychotherapy with nearly 2000 certified practitioners around the globe.
Choosing Eagala for Your Career
Becoming Eagala certified can enhance your career and provide you with the tools to help clients in a unique and powerful way. The Eagala Model’s focus on hands-on experiences and emotional growth makes it an excellent addition to any mental health professional’s credentials. Eagala training events are held worldwide, making it easy to find a session near you. With Eagala, you can transform lives while advancing your career in equine-assisted psychotherapy.