Equine-Eco-Psychotherapy (EEP) is a therapeutic approach that we have created that combines the practices of equine facilitated learning (EFL), ecotherapy (also known as nature based therapy) and traditional psychotherapy.  This unique modality was created in response to the mental health crisis and lack of universally accessible, publicly funded mental health supports and services.  The EEP programs offered to youth and adults will help to support and alleviate the strain on the publicly funded mental health system.  EEP can be utilized as part of a prevention and early intervention strategy as well as in the active phase of intervention and recovery.

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EEP practices incorporate our relationship with the natural world (can be inclusive of animals, plants, water and land) to enhance our growth, development and healing, while bringing awareness to the link between human and environmental health. Common elements of EEP therapies include: mindfulness, a focus on improving attachment and relationships with ourselves, others and the natural world, emotional awareness and regulation, as well as developing self-awareness,  self-confidence and self-esteem. 

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 EEP has shown to positively support individuals struggling with mental health concerns in the following areas:

• Decrease anxiety, depression and anger

• Reduce stress, bring about a state of relaxation

• Reduce feelings of isolation and improves connection

• Foster healthy attachments and relationships

• Increase self-esteem, self-confidence, self-concept

• Improves mood and sleep

• Boost immune system and increase energy

• Lower stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline

• Lowers blood pressure and increases heart rate variability

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The Science Behind Equine-Eco-Psychotherapy (EEP) 

 EEP incorporates aspects of the body-mind connection and acknowledges how our thoughts and emotions affect our daily life experience and over all state of health.

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The experiences that we have in our early life impact the development of our physical, neurological, emotional and psychological health throughout our lifespan.  Prolonged exposure to chronic stress or acute trauma that may lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), can change the way in which our body responses to stress. A stressful situation triggers a cascade of stress hormones that produce physical and emotional changes to our bodies such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, shortness of breath, tense muscles, confusion, panic and anxiety. This reaction to stress is known as the "fight-or flight" response, which is an instantaneous response of hormonal changes and physical responses to help us fight the threat off or flee to safety.  Unfortunately, our body can also overreact to stressors that are not life-threatening, especially when we are exposed to lots of stressful situations over a long period of time, causing significant stress on all of our body systems. 

 

Over time, repeated activation of the stress response can take a toll on our body.  Hormones such as epinephrine and cortisol are released during the stressful situation providing our bodies with a burst of energy so that we can respond immediately to the perceived danger.  When we live in chronically stressed states and are not able to find ways to put the brakes on our stress activation system, our physical health and mental health can be negatively impacted.  Some of the consequences of living in a state of chronic stress are increased risk of heart attack and stroke, weight gain/obesity, chronic fatigue, respiratory disease, difficulty thinking/focusing/concentrating/problem solving, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, post traumatic stress disorder, metabolic disease such as diabetes, digestive/gut disease, bowel disorders, diseases of the reproductive system, chronic pain and substance use problems. 

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On the contrary, when we are exposed in early life to supportive, responsive, nurturing and predictable relationships and environments, we are more likely to develop well functioning biological systems that promote positive physical and mental health development.  Hormones such as oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins are released both in reaction to stressful situations as well as in response to positive and pleasant situations.  When released during stressful situations, they act to dampen the stress reaction.  When released in pleasant situations they act to enhance well-being, increase social behavior, provide anti-stress effects, increase positive self-soothing behaviors and aid in pain relief which are all linked to improved mental and physical health.  

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When spending time in nature and partnering with horses in our EEP therapeutic activities, individuals begin to develop secure attachments to the horses, nature, facilitators and as a result experience an increase in the neurotransmitters and hormones in the body that leave you feeling calm, relaxed and grounded with an overall feeling of peace.  The more exposure individuals have to supportive, responsive, nurturing, secure and predictable relationships and environments, the more likely they are to feel better in all areas of their lives.  

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*Information above taken from the Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School & Frontiers in Psychology

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