Bringing Mental Health Professionals and Equine Specialists Together for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in Australia
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Australia
Mental health awareness is a growing priority worldwide, and the need for effective therapeutic solutions is more critical than ever. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 8 people globally suffer from a mental health condition, and Australia faces similar challenges. In fact, 3.4 million Australians are currently dealing with a diagnosable mental health issue.
While traditional forms of therapy, such as talk therapy and medication, can provide support for many, they are not always the right fit for everyone. Some individuals may need a different, more hands-on approach to healing. Eagala’s equine-assisted psychotherapy offers a unique alternative for those who feel traditional therapy hasn’t worked for them or are looking for a new way to process their mental health challenges.
Our model is designed to help individuals dealing with mental health issues some of which include PTSD, trauma, depression, behavioral disorders, domestic abuse, and addiction. By engaging with horses in a non-riding, therapeutic environment, clients can explore their emotions and experiences in a safe, non-judgmental space. At Eagala, we aim to make this innovative form of psychotherapy more accessible across Australia, providing individuals with a powerful tool for their mental health journey.
Benefits of the Eagala Model of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
The Eagala Model of equine-assisted psychotherapy offers a groundbreaking approach to mental health treatment that is unlike any traditional therapy. This innovative model uses the natural, non-judgmental presence of horses, whose intuitive behaviors help clients explore their emotions in a way that goes beyond talking.
Horses respond to human emotions in the moment, mirroring feelings and providing instant feedback, which can lead to profound insights. Clients are not required to ride the horses; instead, they work with them on the ground, fostering a more equal relationship that allows for deeper emotional exploration.
Eagala-trained specialists in Australia are highly skilled in guiding individuals through this powerful process. They work alongside equine professionals to create a safe, therapeutic environment where clients can gain new perspectives on their challenges. This hands-on approach allows clients to confront their emotions and behaviors in real-time, helping them develop greater self-awareness and emotional resilience. With numerous certified practitioners available throughout Australia, this unique therapy is accessible to those seeking a different way to approach their mental health journey.
The Groundwork of Healing: Boots-on-the-Ground Therapy
The boots-on-the-ground approach is a key element of the Eagala Model setting it apart from other forms of equine therapy. In this unique model, clients do not ride the horses, and the horses are free from reins, bridles, or any form of control. They are not kept in stalls but are allowed to move freely in an open space. This natural, unstructured interaction places both the clients and horses on level ground, fostering a more authentic, collaborative therapeutic experience.
By allowing horses to act according to their instincts, they are free to mirror the emotions and energy of the client in a way that would not be possible if they were controlled or directed. The professionals present—both the equine specialist and the therapist—are there to observe and facilitate rather than direct the session. This creates a dynamic where clients are encouraged to interpret the horses’ behaviors on their own, drawing meaningful conclusions about their feelings, relationships, and challenges.
The boots-on-the-ground approach encourages clients to become active participants in their healing process, helping them to engage with the therapy in a way that feels personal and empowering, all while maintaining a natural, non-verbal dialogue with the horses.
Bolster Your Credentials with Eagala Certification
Earning an Eagala certification provides mental health therapists in Australia, and worldwide, with an opportunity to significantly bolster their professional credentials. This specialized training allows therapists to offer their clients a truly unique form of therapy—one that integrates horses into the therapeutic process. By becoming Eagala-certified, mental health professionals can expand their skill set, offering clients innovative ways to explore and address their mental health challenges in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Through the certification, therapists gain valuable insights into non-verbal communication, emotional regulation, and the powerful role that horses play in facilitating emotional breakthroughs. Meanwhile, horse specialists acquire the skills necessary to work alongside therapists, ensuring that the horses’ natural behaviors are effectively integrated into each session. This collaboration between mental health professionals and equine specialists helps clients gain a deeper understanding of their emotions, relationships, and thought processes.
Eagala certification not only enhances a therapist’s credentials but also provides them with the tools to offer cutting-edge mental health services. By incorporating equine-assisted psychotherapy into their practice, Eagala-certified therapists can stand out in the mental health field and make a lasting impact on their clients’ well-being.
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