Equine Therapy in Newburgh, NY (877) 804-1531

Studies show that equine therapy has been effective in the treatment of a number of medical conditions including addiction, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), developmental disorders, dementia, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, and other various mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.

In the last two decades, equine therapy has been gaining popularity as an effective treatment for mental illness and addiction. Because of its success with mental disorders, equine therapy has been included in dual diagnosis treatment programs. Dual Diagnosis is the co-occurrence of a mental illness and an addiction. Patients who have problems communicating, even in individual therapy sessions, typically respond well to this treatment.

What is Equine Therapy?

Equine therapy is an experiential treatment that involves the interaction between patients and horses, under the guidance and supervision of a qualified therapist. This treatment involves a series of activities that are designed to create a bond with the animal. The patient may be required to conduct various care services for the horse such as feeding, grooming and exercising the animal while the counselor observes their interactions. This process helps patients to develop non-verbal communication skills, assertiveness, leadership and problem-solving skills.

Because horses wield tremendous power and are naturally intimidating to most people, they help to empower individuals who overcome those fears and develop a comfortable bond with the animal. This also provide insight into the fact that they can overcome other challenges in life such as addiction.

Benefits

This treatment is beneficial in removing roadblocks to recovery. It is particularly helpful for patients who are shy or overly withdrawn. Typically, these patients are tense in social situations and unable to fully participate in any treatment that involves interacting with others. They may also find it hard to relax and express their feelings, even in individual therapy sessions. Working with horses allow these patients to open up so that psychological issues can be adequately addressed. Equine therapy has also proven successful in helping patients with insecurity, guilt, poor self-image and self-worth.

Other benefits of equine therapy include:

1. Improve relationship skills
2. Gain a keen understanding of empowerment versus being abusive
3. Acceptance of limitations and that of others
4. Gain greater self-awareness and build self-confidence
5. How to maintain composure and a good attitude in the face of adversity
6. Improve ability to calm down and relax
7. Greater understanding and use of body language and gestures

Horses are very powerful, playful and sociable animals. They allow patients to relax and connect with them. The main goal of equine therapy is to enable the development of attributes such as accountability, responsibility, self-empowerment, problem-solving skills, and self-control that will aid in relapse prevention after rehab.

Drug rehab treatment centers in the Newburgh area, provide Equine Assisted Therapy in conjunction with various other holistic and traditional treatments to ensure a complete recovery. Because of improved self-awareness, confidence and communication skills, patients find it easier to strengthen bonds with spouses, children and friends.

We can help you find the right treatment facility and rehab program that best suits your needs. Call Addiction Recovery Centers Newburgh today at (877) 804-1531.