What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a specialized form of mental health treatment that integrates horses into the therapeutic process. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EAP is an experiential approach, meaning clients learn about themselves and others through direct, hands-on interactions with horses.
Do i Need horse experience?
Prior experience with horses is not needed to benefit from Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) or Equine Assisted Learning (EAL).
How does it work? What happens during a typical session?
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) sessions involve a collaborative team: a licensed mental health specialist (MH), a certified equine specialist (ES), and the horses (the "herd"). Clients work with this team through various relationship-building activities. Sometimes the focus is on the client's relationship with themselves, gaining insight from their interactions with the herd. Other times, the work centers on developing a direct relationship with specific herd members.
Why does it work?
Horses are prey animals, meaning their survival for centuries has depended on being exquisitely sensitive to their surroundings and any perceived predators—like humans. This innate awareness allows them to attune to our physiological and emotional states. Through their reactions, horses provide immediate, non-judgmental feedback, helping us become more aware of our inner world. As we build a relationship with them, this mirroring process becomes a powerful path to self-discovery.
How many sessions will I need to do?
The number of sessions needed is highly individualized. While some clients gain valuable emotional regulation skills and significant impact on daily living within 3 to 6 sessions, others seeking deeper self-understanding and life transformation may continue for several months or even longer, depending on their unique goals and circumstances.
Does insurance cover it?
We are Community Care Providers with the VA and accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield for psychotherapy sessions. Insurance does not cover the cost of the Equine Specialist (ES) or barn fees.
What does it cost?
Because of our unique pay structure and different funding sources, it makes more sense to discuss your individual situation. Please inquire about this during a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if EAT of NJ is right for you.
What is your cancellation policy?
You will be responsible for the entire fee if cancellation is less than 24 hours. Cancellations and re-scheduled sessions will be subject to a full charge if NOT RECEIVED AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you. In the event of an emergency, please communicate the nature of the emergency with us so we can determine if a waiver of our cancellation fee is warranted
What do I do when I arrive for a session
Please wait in your car until someone comes to invite you in. We may be involved with another client session.
What do I wear?
Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear closed toe shoes. We have an indoor arena but it is not climate controlled.
Is the farm accessible for clients with disabilities?
We are equipped with accessible parking and an accessible portable toilet. Our grounds, however, are uneven in some places due to the nature of the terrain. If you have any questions about your specific situation, feel free to reach out to see if this is an appropriate fit for you.
How are the horses trained to do this?
Our herd members are not trained in any special way. They're just horses.
I am a therapist who would like to bring my client(s) for EAP, can I do that?
We welcome outside therapists who would like to bring their clients. These sessions are scheduled by appointment and subject to availability. An equine specialist (ES) will be present for the session.The session fee will include the cost of working with the horse, the ES and the use of the facility.
What is EAL?
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a non-therapeutic approach that uses interactions with horses to help individuals develop life skills, such as communication, teamwork, and self-awareness.