Pray Road Stables Pray Road Stables
 Traditional and Equine-Assisted Therapy
and Riding Lessons
Wednesday March 10, 2010 315-393-3433
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315.393.3433
148 Pray Road
Ogdensburg, NY, 13669
 
What is Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP)?
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy is a creative form of counseling that gives people a chance to enhance self-awareness and make positive changes in behavior, feelings and attitudes.  Clients interact with the horses in a number of ways including: just getting acquainted, handling, grooming, riding and care. 

According to North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA): EFP may be used for people with psycho-social issues, and mental health needs that result in any significant variation in cognition, mood, judgment, insight, anxiety level, perception, social skills, communication, behavior, or learning.  Examples include but are not limited to anxiety, mood, behavioral and psychotic disorders or issues like depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and personality disorders.  It is also suitable for adjusting to major changes such as divorce, grief and loss.    
 Horses can be healing

In other words, if someone has a problem for which they would consider seeing a professional therapist, EFP is a new and exciting option. 
fence How can someone benefit from Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy?

EFP places the client in a fun, non-threatening environment that facilitates the exploration of feelings and thoughts and the discovery of healing solutions.  After treatment clients frequently report that they have gained new insights for relationship building, increased their self-esteem, and found new metaphors to work through personal issues.  EFP helps people overcome their natural resistance to change and unlocks hidden resources that the client can draw on for strength.  

Are there standards for this type of riding?

There are both national and international associations setting guidelines for equine facilitated psychotherapy.   Pray Road Stables is a Premier Accredited Site with the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association (EFMHA) that is a branch of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).  

Just as other professions use accreditation and licensing systems to improve the well-being of their industries, so do therapeutic equine professionals through NARHA’s Premier Accredited Center Program. The Premier Accredited Center Program offers NARHA centers the chance to demonstrate their excellence in providing quality, professional equine assisted activities. This voluntary process recognizes NARHA centers that have met established industry standards and safety requirements. NARHA