About Equine Therapy At Chateau
Equine-assisted therapy brings interactions with horses into treatment. At Chateau, it is one of the experiential approaches we use alongside individual and group therapy. When this work is part of psychotherapy, it is called equine-assisted psychotherapy.
An experience with a horse can give you something concrete to discuss with your care team. You might notice yourself becoming frustrated, holding back, or asking for help. The conversation afterward connects what happened with the concerns that brought you to treatment.
Why We Work On The Ground
Equine therapy at Chateau does not include horseback riding.
Working alongside a horse keeps the focus on the interaction and your response to it. You can pay attention to personal space, how you approach the horse, and what you feel along the way. You do not need riding experience to take part.
What To Expect During Equine Therapy
Activities may include observing, grooming, or leading a horse, followed by a conversation about the experience. The purpose is to explore your responses and how they relate to your treatment goals.
If you are new to horses or feel nervous around them, talk with your care team before you participate. We can discuss what to expect and your comfort level.
01
Observe
Spend time near the horse and notice how you respond. You might become aware of tension in your body or how comfortable you feel approaching it.
02
Participate
Take part in an activity with a horse on the ground. Pay attention to how the horse responds and what you notice in yourself.
03
Reflect
Talk about what you noticed. You might connect a moment of uncertainty with a situation at home, or discuss how you communicate when you feel uncomfortable.
What You May Work On
An unfamiliar setting can bring out patterns you recognize from home or work, including how you respond to frustration or ask for support. Talking through those moments with your care team gives you a chance to consider what you want to handle differently in everyday life.
Recognizing Stress
Time with horses can bring familiar reactions to stress into focus.
Communication
Activities offer a way to talk about expressing your needs and asking for support.
Trust and boundaries
Your comfort around a horse can open a conversation about trust and personal boundaries.
Residential Care For Adults
We welcome first responders, active-duty military, veterans, and other adults 26 and older seeking care for mental health concerns or co-occurring substance use.
Equine-assisted therapy is part of our experiential therapy approach and is available only to residential clients. It cannot be booked separately.
Ask admissions how equine therapy fits into the program. You can also discuss your goals for treatment and any concerns about being around horses.