Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a unique and effective approach to helping people with various challenges, including addiction, PTSD, depression, and trauma. By working with horses, mental health professionals and equine specialists can support clients in their healing journey. If you are interested in learning how to become a Certified Eagala Practitioner, here’s how you can start.
Equine-assisted psychotherapy involves partnering with horses to promote emotional growth and learning. It is an experiential therapy where clients interact with horses, which can help them build trust, improve communication, and develop self-awareness. There are different approaches, including equine-assisted growth and equine-assisted therapy, and they generally focus on mental health counseling and personal development.
Benefits of Becoming Certified
- Credibility: Certification shows your expertise and commitment to the field.
- Professional Development: Opens opportunities for career advancement and specialization.
- Enhanced Skills: Provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in equine therapy.
The Role of Professionals
Although there are many forms of equine-assisted psychotherapy, in all cases where the Eagala model is used, two people facilitate the Eagala sessions: a mental health professional and an equine specialist. To become an Eagala Certified practitioner, a background in Mental Health or with Equine Partners is required for each of the respective roles. To learn more, read on below.
Mental Health Practitioners
Mental health professionals play a crucial role in equine-assisted psychotherapy. They help people work through their feelings and challenges by supporting the partnership with horses in therapy sessions. These professionals guide clients as they interact with horses, helping them understand and manage emotions.
In equine-assisted psychotherapy, mental health professionals design activities that encourage trust, communication, and self-awareness. They ensure sessions are safe and effective, working closely with equine specialists who handle the horses.
By becoming certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy, mental health professionals gain skills to facilitate sessions in partnership with horses in a therapeutic setting, offering a unique way to support healing and growth. This approach helps clients feel better mentally and emotionally engaging in interactions with horses.
Equine Specialists
Also known as horse specialists, they ensure safe interactions between clients and horses, focusing on the equine aspects of psychotherapy. Equine specialists are the horse pros in equine psychotherapy who understand horse behavior and body language. They pick horses suited for therapy and ensure everything runs safely.
They are the “horse whisperers” who translate the horse’s feelings to the therapist. This helps you and the therapist work together based on the horse’s reactions. They basically keep things smooth for everyone involved during the session.
Certification Pathways
The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala)
The Eagala Method is globally recognized for its unique take on therapy, where mental health practitioners and horse specialists come together for strictly boots-on-the-ground therapy where clients do not ride horses and focus on the experiential nature of the human-horse relationship. Renowned for its rigorous standards and evidence-based approach, Eagala has cultivated a comprehensive equine-assisted psychotherapy model that seamlessly integrates the expertise of mental health professionals and equine specialists.
By establishing a collaborative partnership between humans and horses, Eagala has revolutionized therapeutic outcomes, offering individuals a unique and powerful pathway to healing and growth. Their commitment to training, certification, and ongoing research has solidified Eagala’s position as the leading authority in this innovative field.
Steps to Certification
Education and Training
Pursue relevant education in fields like psychology, counseling, or equine studies. Gain experience by volunteering or working at equine therapy centers. In most cases, Equine specialists come with years of experience and background with horses and equine studies before they qualify to certify with Eagala.
Make sure you understand what prerequisites you’ll need:
- The mental health professional need to have at minimum a graduate degree in the mental health field and be practicing under a governing board or body that can hold the professional accountable. They must stay within their scope of practice and follow regional, country, or state laws and regulations regarding mental health practice.
- The equine specialist must have worked hands-on with horses at least 6,000 hours and completed at least 100 hours of continuing education in the horse profession, including groundwork experience, horse psychology, reading horse body language, and nonverbal communication. 40 of those hours must have been completed in the last two years.
Complete Training Programs
Enroll in Eagala training programs that offer hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. Be taught by highly experienced, certified professionals to understand how clients work with horses in therapeutic settings. Once you’ve completed the training and associated post-work, you will be awarded your certification. Certification requires a renewal process that must be completed every two years.
FAQs
What is equine-assisted psychotherapy?
It’s a therapy that uses horse interactions to support emotional and personal growth. You need relevant education, training, and certification from recognized boards to become certified.
What is the role of an equine specialist?
They focus on ensuring safe and effective interactions between clients and horses.
Why is certification important?
It enhances your credibility and opens up professional opportunities. It is proof that you have the education and training to truly help those in need.
Can mental health professionals become equine therapists?
Yes, with additional training and certification in equine-assisted psychotherapy. Training includes both theoretical education and practical experience with horses. However, horse specialists will still be on hand to tend to the horses.
What is equine-assisted growth?
A process where horses help individuals develop life skills and personal insights. Through guided activities that promote emotional healing and learning, clients often find their own solutions.
About Eagala
Eagala is a leader in equine-assisted psychotherapy, offering specialized training for those who want to integrate horses into mental health treatment. Our method emphasizes a team approach between mental health professionals and equine specialists, ensuring effective therapy.
Interested in becoming a certified equine-assisted psychotherapist? Eagala provides the training and resources needed to succeed in this rewarding field. Join our next training event to start your journey in equine-assisted psychotherapy.