Bringing Mental Health Professionals and Equine Specialists Together for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in South Africa
South Africa’s Mental Health Crisis and the Need for a New Approach
Mental health issues are a pressing concern globally, with 1 in 8 people living with a mental health condition, according to the World Health Organization. In South Africa, the statistics are even more alarming, with 1 in 6 adults meeting the diagnostic criteria for depression, anxiety, or substance abuse within a single year. These numbers highlight the urgent need for innovative and effective mental health care solutions in the country.
Eagala is dedicated to addressing this need by providing specialized training in the Eagala Model. This unique approach equips mental health professionals with the tools to treat complex conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, trauma, and behavioral disorders. By expanding access to this cutting-edge therapy model, Eagala aims to create healthier communities and improve the quality of life for South Africans struggling with mental health issues.
The Eagala Model: A Unique Approach to Therapy
At the heart of Eagala’s work is its revolutionary equine-assisted psychotherapy model. Unlike traditional talk therapy, the Eagala Model leverages the natural intuition of horses to create a non-judgmental and emotionally safe environment for clients. Horses, with their keen sensitivity to human emotions and behavior, respond authentically to a client’s emotional state, allowing for profound insights into personal struggles.
This experiential form of therapy encourages clients to engage deeply with their own feelings and experiences, discovering solutions that are meaningful and lasting. The presence of horses facilitates breakthroughs that traditional methods often miss, making the Eagala Model a powerful tool for personal growth and recovery.
The Non-Riding Aspect of Eagala Therapy: Boots on the Ground
A key element that sets the Eagala Model apart is its non-riding approach, often referred to as “boots on the ground.” In Eagala sessions, clients do not ride the horses. This decision is deliberate, allowing a more authentic and unstructured interaction between the client and the horse.
By removing the element of riding, clients are free from any associated fear or distraction, making the therapeutic experience safer and more impactful. Horses are free to react truthfully to each client’s emotions and actions, offering honest feedback in real-time. This form of equine-assisted psychotherapy fosters a deeper connection, enabling clients to explore their feelings and behaviors in a safe, dynamic environment, leading to genuine personal transformation.
Enhance Your Mental Health Credentials with Eagala Certification
Becoming certified in the Eagala Model of equine-assisted psychotherapy opens the door to offering a powerful, unique therapeutic approach to your clients. Mental health professionals who complete the Eagala training can work in tandem with equally trained equine specialists to provide this innovative form of therapy. This certification not only enhances your professional credentials but also equips you with the tools to help clients in ways that traditional therapy cannot.
You’ll empower your clients to gain self-awareness and uncover solutions to their challenges, offering them a path to lasting mental wellness. Certification in the Eagala Model positions you as a forward-thinking professional, committed to offering the best mental health care available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your Journey Today
Enroll in Premier Equine Training Certification Programs.