Benefits - Skye Therapy Solutions, PLLC

Benefits Of Equine & Animal-Assisted Therapy

Quicker Rapport Building

The counselor appears to be safe because the animals trust him/her so it is easier for the client to initially form trust. Many problems can be fixed using the animals directly instead of pointing them out through the client’s behaviors.

Animals Have a Calming Effect and Promote Spontaneous Change.

Animals can divert attention away from anxiety which can give the therapist the chance to work with the non-anxious client which is much more effective.

Horses reflect back what the client is putting out there to others so they see a direct effect of their behavior either desired or undesired. This promotes awareness which is needed to change a behavior. Horses do this in a way that is non-threatening. Connecting with a horse can be easily transferred to developing a healthy relationship with a human. Horses facilitate change and improve problem solving skills in children and adults. The child can safely try out new behaviors in the presence of a non judgmental horse.

Equine & Canine Assisted Therapy Studies

A space of safety: Children’s experience of equine-assisted group therapy

Equine Facilitated Therapy with Children and Adolescents Who Have Been Sexually Abused: A Program Evaluation Study

Animal assisted intervention: A systematic review of benefits and risks

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for adolescents experiencing depression and/or anxiety: A therapist’s perspective

Research shows animals help to facilitate natural and spontaneous change up to 6 months after formal sessions have ended!