Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy That Brings New Mexico Mental Health Professionals and Equine Specialists Together
Addressing New Mexico’s Mental Health Crisis
Mental health challenges are a growing concern in New Mexico, as they are around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 8 adults will face a mental health issue at some point in their lives. In New Mexico, barriers like limited access to care, rural isolation, and stigma can make it even harder for people to get the help they need.
The Eagala Model offers a unique solution to these challenges. By combining licensed mental health professionals, equine specialists, and horses, the Eagala Model creates safe, non-traditional therapy environments that feel approachable. Sessions don’t require prior horse experience, so they’re accessible to everyone. This innovative model can reach individuals who might not respond to traditional therapy settings, breaking down barriers to care and making mental health support more available for those in need.
How the Eagala Model Helps with Mental Health and Addiction
The Eagala Model is a structured form of equine-assisted psychotherapy that uses horses to help people work through challenges like addiction, PTSD, depression, behavioral disorders, domestic abuse, and trauma. Horses have a natural ability to sense emotions, making them powerful partners in the healing process. Their non-judgmental presence helps clients feel safe and understood as they work through difficult emotions.
In these sessions, clients interact with horses in a calm, ground-based setting. By observing how horses respond to them, clients can uncover patterns in their own behavior and relationships. Eagala’s equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) offers a unique and impactful way to help individuals struggling with addiction by addressing the root causes and emotional struggles associated with substance use.
Addiction often stems from unresolved trauma, stress, or emotional pain, and Eagala creates a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore these challenges. The Eagala Model is especially effective for people who struggle to open up in traditional talk therapy. By engaging with horses, clients can explore their emotions and behaviors in a way that feels more natural and less intimidating.
The Benefits of a Boots-on-the-Ground Approach
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Eagala Model is its boots-on-the-ground approach. Unlike other forms of equine therapy, Eagala sessions are conducted entirely on the ground—there is no horseback riding involved. This makes the sessions safer for clients and practitioners, and it allows horses to interact naturally without the constraints of being ridden or confined.
This model also opens the door for horses that are no longer rideable due to age, injury, or temperament. These horses can find new purpose as partners in therapy sessions, helping clients in ways that don’t require physical strain.
For clients, being on the ground creates a more equal relationship with the horses. It fosters a sense of safety and connection, allowing clients to fully engage in the therapeutic process. For practitioners, the boots-on-the-ground model provides a structured yet flexible way to guide sessions, making it easier to address each client’s unique needs.
Why Mental Health Professionals Should Become Eagala Certified
Becoming Eagala certified is a valuable step for mental health professionals who want to expand their practice and reach more clients. The certification program provides comprehensive training in the Eagala Model, equipping practitioners with the skills to integrate horses into therapy sessions effectively and safely.
Eagala certification offers several benefits. First, it allows professionals to provide a therapy option that is highly effective for clients who may not respond to traditional methods. Second, it opens up opportunities to serve specialized populations, such as those dealing with trauma, addiction, or behavioral issues.
Certified practitioners also join a global network of professionals dedicated to equine-assisted psychotherapy. This network provides access to mentorship, continuing education, and valuable resources to help practitioners grow their skills and support their clients. By becoming Eagala certified, mental health professionals can transform their practice and make a greater impact on the lives of their clients.
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