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Approach

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

The Academy at Sisters provides Certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) as an integral part of our program for all students. Our EAP program uses a variety of evidence based practices to effectively provide experiential learning opportunities for youth in our program. Through the process of connecting with the horses, participants experience profound shifts in their understanding of relationships and their role in them.

Mission: Create a safe, supportive, and caring environment to enhance the development of healthy relationships based on mutual respect, trust, empathy, and honesty.

Benefits of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy:

  • Provides honest and direct feedback
  • Addresses every learning style
  • Offers real-time opportunities to practice and master skills
  • Develops non-coercive connections with the horses
  • Self-advocacy, self-reliance, and self-awareness
  • Problem solving skills
  • Emotion Regulation/Distress tolerance
  • Cultivates healthy relationships
  • Risk Assessment skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Practice and incorporate DBT and other coping skills
  • Master Mindfulness
  • Reduce the negative impacts of early childhood trauma

 

“Working with horses, I gained better insight on personal situations and Sweetie reminded me of what it was like to show someone that you love them.” – Academy Student

horse kisses during equine assisted psychotherapy at a boarding school for girls
Equine assisted psychotherapy at a boarding school for girls
Horseback riding outing at a boarding school for girls
Girl checking her saddle on a ride from a boarding school

Horsemanship

In addition to using our horses in the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program, students may participate in our Horsemanship Program. Our Horsemanship Program teaches the students how to communicate effectively with horses, and offers more opportunities for students to develop healthy, connected relationships with the horses. Our focus is on building a safe environment for the horse and rider where all participants have a voice.

Mission: Provide opportunities where our students are able to cultivate symbiotic relationships with horses based on mutual respect, empathy, and understanding.

“Ray has brought me great happiness that I haven’t felt in a long time.” – Academy Student

certification partner at a therapeutic boarding school
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