Equine Therapy At blueFire
Equine therapy at blueFire wilderness treatment center in Idaho provides a unique and different way for our clients to learn about themselves and continue their therapeutic journey. We all long to find a connection in this journey of life. Without it, anxiety and depression seem to take its place. Horses have an amazing ability that allows us to develop connections between us. The IHT (Idaho Horse Therapy) method offered at blueFire integrates EAP (equine-assisted psychotherapy) with mindfulness practices and breath work to allow clients the space for inner growth and transformation to become the best version of themselves.
Equine Therapy at blueFire
Horses Reflect a Child’s Emotional and Physical Reactions
Equine therapy is a well-respected, effective therapeutic intervention for teens that utilizes horses to help create positive changes such as:
- Improved communication and relationships
- Facing fears and past trauma
- Identifying unhealthy behaviors through mirroring
- Establishing connections
- Responsibility
- Giving back
Much of equine therapy is facilitated by non-verbal communication skills. Horses, like many other animals, communicate non-verbally. This helps build:
- Problem solving
- Strong work ethic
- Personal responsibility
- Teamwork
- Confidence
- Positive attitude
- Emotional growth
What is C.R.E.A.T.E?
- C- Clarity, the most basic starting point. Have an overall focus.
- R- Recognize a Response and Reward it.
- E- Enthusiasm without Excitement.
- A- Assertiveness without Aggression.
- T- Time without Tension.
- E- Evolve, Evaluate, then Evolve again.
To learn more about how we use C.R.E.A.T.E. at blueFire see the video at the top of this page.
Does Equine Assisted Therapy Work?
Several studies have been done as to the effectiveness of equine assisted therapy versus traditional therapeutic sessions. In nearly all cases adolescents who received equine therapy on average experienced greater total therapeutic change in psychosocial function than those who received no training.
We utilize an EAGALA-certified equine specialist, teamed up with a therapist, to work with your child. Equine therapy is a proven treatment for:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Behavioral issues
- Attention deficit disorders
- Relational problems
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Personality disorders
- General lack of insight
