Equine Assisted Psychotherapy New Hampshire - Eagala
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Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in New Hampshire

Eagala Equine Therapy Certification for Specialists in New Hampshire

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Mental Health Awareness in New Hampshire

Mental health conditions affect people in every state, with the World Health Organization estimating that 1 in 8 individuals globally will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other challenges can disrupt daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. In New Hampshire, access to diverse mental health treatment options is essential, particularly in rural areas where traditional therapy services may be limited. 

Expanding the availability of different therapeutic approaches ensures that individuals can find the right fit for their needs. The Eagala Model of equine-assisted psychotherapy offers a nontraditional, experiential solution for those who may not find success with conventional talk therapy. By integrating hands-on interactions with horses, this approach provides an immersive experience that fosters emotional growth, self-awareness, and personal breakthroughs. 

The Eagala Model of Psychotherapy

The Eagala Model is a structured approach to equine-assisted psychotherapy that unites mental health professionals, equine specialists, and horses as equal partners in the therapeutic process. This model focuses on hands-on engagement, where clients interact with horses in ways that reveal emotional patterns, relationship dynamics, and areas of personal growth. 

Horses, known for their heightened sensitivity to human emotions, offer real-time feedback that helps clients better understand their feelings and behaviors. Unlike conventional therapy, which relies on dialogue, the Eagala Model allows clients to process their emotions through action and reflection. This unique approach has been particularly effective in addressing trauma, stress, anxiety, and relational challenges. By creating an interactive environment that fosters self-discovery, the Eagala Model empowers clients to take meaningful steps toward emotional well-being.

A horse looking back at a white fence in New Hampshire

The Boots on the Ground Approach

A core principle of the Eagala Model is that clients do not ride the horses. Instead, they engage with them in an open, unstructured setting where the horses move freely. This ground-based approach eliminates the need for saddles, bridles, lead ropes, or halters, allowing the horses to react naturally to the client’s energy, body language, and emotions.

This model not only ensures that clients do not need prior horse experience, but it also makes equine-assisted therapy accessible to mental health professionals without requiring horsemanship skills. Equine Specialists are always on hand as part of the team. Additionally, this approach gives horses that are no longer rideable a valuable and fulfilling role in therapy. By focusing on mutual interaction rather than control, the Boots on the Ground model fosters authentic connections and transformative therapeutic experiences.

A small brown horse looking right into the camera in a New Hampshire field.

How Eagala Certification Helps Your Practice

For mental health professionals and equine specialists, earning Eagala certification is an opportunity to expand their practice with an innovative, experiential therapy model. This certification equips practitioners with the tools needed to integrate equine-assisted psychotherapy into their services, enhancing their ability to help clients achieve emotional breakthroughs.

Beyond skill development, Eagala certification connects practitioners with a global network of professionals, ongoing education, and exclusive resources. This ensures that certified individuals remain at the forefront of equine-assisted psychotherapy, continuously refining their expertise. Whether you are looking to diversify your therapy offerings or deepen your practice, Eagala certification provides the framework for delivering meaningful, results-driven therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Eagala Model is an experiential approach to equine-assisted psychotherapy that brings mental health professionals, equine specialists, and horses together in a structured therapeutic environment. Clients interact with horses in ways that promote self-awareness, emotional insight, and personal transformation.

Yes. The Eagala Model is a ground-based therapy, meaning there is no riding involved. Clients interact with horses from the ground, ensuring a safe and controlled environment for therapeutic engagement.

The Eagala Model is effective in addressing a variety of mental health challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship difficulties. The experiential nature of the model allows clients to process emotions in a nonverbal, intuitive way.

Eagala offers regular training sessions worldwide, providing opportunities for both foundational and advanced certification. Visit our training and events page for information on upcoming sessions and locations.

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