
Benefits of Our Equine Therapy at Mallard Lake, Houston
Equine Drug Addiction Treatment
Equine-assisted therapy, also known as equine-assisted psychotherapy, is a holistic treatment that uses horses to help people go through any emotional or psychological challenges that arise as a result of their addiction or a co-occurring disorder.
Equine therapy is used in addition to regular addiction treatment and therapy at Mallard Lake Detox Center.
Why Use Horses in Addiction Treatment?
Equine therapy is a type of animal-assisted therapy in which animals such as dogs and cats are used to soothe people and provide a safe atmosphere in which they may cope with trauma. Horses are employed for this form of holistic treatment because they are natural pack animals that pick up on the sentiments and moods of the other animals in their environment. When you interact with a horse, the horse can sense how you’re feeling and respond appropriately, allowing you to connect on a level that you might not be able to achieve in individual or group therapy.
Benefits of Equine Therapy
Equine therapy has a number of advantages for those in addiction treatment and recovery, including:
- Assisting in the definition of what makes for a healthy partnership.
- Providing metaphoric experiences to foster emotional development and confidence.
- Enabling you to learn more about yourself and spot unhealthy behavior patterns.
Which Skills Does Equine Therapy Equip Us with?
Horses are extremely perceptive of their surroundings as well as the emotions of others in their immediate vicinity. Patients rapidly realize that horses might be reluctant to comply, aloof, or simply uninterested when learning to ride and care for them. Individuals who are accompanied by an equestrian expert begin with the fundamentals of horse care. Brushing, feeding, haltering, and guiding are all examples of what this may entail. These hobbies might give you a feeling of achievement. Equine therapy teaches us the following lessons:
- Establishing trust
Equine therapy places a strong emphasis on establishing a trusting relationship among all individuals involved. Individuals suffering from substance addiction or mental illness, on the other hand, may have difficulty offering and accepting trust. Horses, as trustworthy and reciprocal creatures, can serve as a springboard for future partnerships.
- Self-Esteem and a Sense of Achievement
People are frequently at their lowest point when they enter treatment. Low self-esteem, a lack of energy and motivation, and a sense of being out of control can all be symptoms of this. Learning to care for a horse can help a person develop a sense of structure and responsibility, while receiving meaningful feedback from the horses can help a person develop a sense of responsibility and self-satisfaction.
- Awareness of Emotions
Horses are great observers and hypersensitive to human emotions, and they often have strong reactions to them. Individuals can then exercise mindfulness of their own emotions as a result of this.
Now Is the Time to Seek the Assistance You Require.
Do you or a loved one have a problem with alcohol or drugs? Equine therapy will be integrated into your holistic addiction treatment plan when you arrive at Mallard Lake Detox Center in Houston. You’ll participate in equine-assisted therapy sessions, during which you’ll be able to engage with horses for predetermined lengths of time in a safe, calm atmosphere. Call Mallard Lake today and begin your journey to recovery.