Many therapies and treatment options exist for addiction. Because every person learns and heals in different ways – and has unique struggles to manage – it’s important to find the therapy that’s right for you. One of the most innovative options is equine therapy for addiction. Working directly with horses can create powerful changes in a person’s self-confidence and outlook. That’s why it is one of the services we offer at Painted Desert Recovery.
How can equine therapy for addiction help you? This is not the only type of therapy a person receives during addiction treatment. There is still the need to use evidence-based therapies in a formal setting as well. However, there are numerous benefits to equine therapy for addiction.
3 Benefits of Equine Therapy for Addiction
1. Improves Self Confidence
One of the most important ways equine therapy works is by creating self-confidence. You’ll find yourself aiding in caring for an animal that is dependent on you. As you do that, learning how to properly support them, you’re building skills, but also learning just how important and valuable you are. Building self-esteem directly impacts a person’s ability and willingness to work through addiction.
2. Horses Sense Emotions
It may seem strange to someone who has not worked around horses, but these animals are unique. They seem to sense emotions in people, and often they act and interact with people based on those feelings. In many ways, they can soothe anxious feelings and provide a way to feel protected and safe during sad times. That’s healing for many people with addiction.
3. Gain Insight into Your Own Problems and Emotions
Horses reflect the emotions that people display to them. If you’re sad, you’ll see that in the horse’s demeanor. Sometimes, in addiction recovery, that’s helpful, especially when you are working through many emotions and intense thoughts. That can help you to change your behaviors as well.
Embrace Equine Therapy for Recovery
Even if you’re a bit unsure how horses can help you, embrace this type of therapy. You’ll learn how to care for a horse. You’ll also learn how to interact with them, working to gain their trust. These animals can be very forgiving, and they are not animals to be afraid of being around. Even as large and powerful as they are, they tend to be very gentle animals working to support humans in many ways. In therapy, you’ll learn more about how they can help you, but what’s important is giving interacting with them a chance.
Explore Equine-Assisted Therapy at Painted Desert Recovery
Our treatment center offers a wide range of therapy options to help each person find their best way forward in addiction recovery. You’re never forced to interact or participate, but the more you engage in these programs, the more opportunities you’ll have for finding a new future for yourself. If equine-assisted therapy is not for you, some of the other therapies we offer include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Group therapy sessions
- Experiential therapy programs
- Nutrition and food therapy
- Art therapy programs
Equine therapy is perhaps one of the most rewarding. People continue to incorporate these animals into their lives long after they leave therapy because of how valuable and impactful they are to the healing process.
Learn How to Heal with Painted Desert Recovery’s Equine Therapy for Addiction
When you’re battling addiction, treatment looks impossible. Yet, with the help of innovative programs like equine therapy for addiction, you can start to see the opportunity for a better life. The key is interacting with the right therapists and providers. Our team at Painted Desert Recovery wants to give you the tools it takes to enter addiction recovery. Reach out to us online or call 844.540.0357 to learn how we can help you today.