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Understanding the Difference Between Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Other Equine Therapies

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:29:28 GMT

All equine therapies share one powerful foundation — the healing bond between humans and horses .

Horses have long been admired for their beauty, strength, and sensitivity. In recent years, they’ve also become trusted partners in healing — helping people build confidence, process emotions, and develop new life skills. However, not all horse-related therapies are the same.

Two commonly used terms — Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Therapy — are often used interchangeably, but they refer to very different approaches with distinct goals, methods, and professionals involved. Understanding these differences is key to finding the right kind of support for emotional growth and wellbeing.

The Common Thread is Healing Through Connection

Regardless of the specific approach, all equine therapies share one powerful foundation — the healing bond between humans and horses . Horses have an extraordinary ability to connect with people, offering presence, honesty, and acceptance without judgment.

Whether through the structured process of psychotherapy or the empowering experience of therapeutic riding, the connection with horses can open the door to profound personal growth and transformation.

What Is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a mental health treatment that incorporates horses into the therapeutic process. It is conducted by an accredited mental health professional — such as a psychologist, psychotherapist, or counsellor — working alongside a qualified equine specialist.

In EAP, clients engage with horses (always on the ground, never riding). These interactions are then processed with the therapist and the equine specialist, to uncover emotional patterns, behaviours, and thought processes.

Goals of EAP:

Improve emotional regulation and self-awareness
Address trauma, anxiety, depression, or PTSD
Build trust, empathy, and healthy boundaries
Support communication and relationship skills

How It Works:

Horses are incredibly sensitive to human emotion and body language. They respond to subtle cues — tension, fear, confidence — providing immediate, nonjudgmental feedback. This mirrors how we interact with people and allows clients to explore emotional responses in a safe environment.

For example, if someone approaches a horse with nervous energy, the horse may back away. This opens a conversation about anxiety, boundaries, or communication styles — insights that can translate directly into real-life relationships.

What about the Other Equine Therapies?

The term “equine therapy” is broad and can refer to several different practices that use horses for physical, cognitive, or emotional development. These may or may not involve mental health professionals.

Common Types of Equine Therapies:

a. Therapeutic Riding

Focus: Physical and cognitive development
Led by: Certified riding instructors (not therapists)
Goal: Improve coordination, balance, muscle tone, and confidence through riding
Commonly used for: Individuals with physical disabilities, developmental delays, or autism

b. Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)

Focus: Personal growth, leadership, and life skills
Led by: Trained equine facilitators or coaches
Goal: Build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities
Commonly used in: Corporate leadership programs, schools, or youth development

c. Hippotherapy

Focus: Clinical physical, occupational, or speech therapy using horse movement
Led by: Licensed therapists (e.g., physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists)
Goal: Use the rhythmic motion of the horse to improve motor control, posture, and sensory processing

Here are some of the Key Differences at a Glance:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) ........ Other Equine Therapies

Primary Focus-

EAP: Emotional and psychological healing

Other: Physical, cognitive, or personal development

L ed By-

EAP: Licensed mental health professional + equine specialist

Other: Riding instructor, therapist, or coach

Activities-

EAP: Ground-based (non-riding) interactions

Other: Riding or movement-based exercises

Therapeutic Goal-

EAP: Address mental health issues,(Trauma, Anxiety, Depression) and enhance learning.

Other: Build skills, improve physical function, or enhance learning

Setting-

EAP: Psychotherapy sessions with horses

 Other: Educational or rehabilitation programs

Core Principle-

EAP: Emotional reflection & behavioural insight through horse response

Other: Physical and experiential benefits from horse interaction

Choosing the Right Approach

If your goal is to heal from emotional trauma , manage mental health challenges , work through relationship issues , and to build confidence then Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy may be the right fit.

If, on the other hand, you’re looking, to enhance physical ability , or learn leadership and life skills , other forms of equine therapy like therapeutic riding , hippotherapy , or equine-assisted learning may be more appropriate.

The best choice depends on your needs — and it’s always important to ensure that the professionals involved are properly trained and credentialed for the type of therapy they’re offering.

Final Thoughts

Equine-assisted work is more than just spending time with horses — it’s a partnership that helps people heal, grow, and rediscover their inner strength. By understanding the differences between Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and other equine therapies, individuals and families can make informed choices about the kind of healing journey that best fits their needs.

Men's Mental Health : Breaking the silence and building strength

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:39:47 GMT

True masculinity isn’t about silence — it’s about authenticity, vulnerability, and growth

For far too long, men’s mental health has been a silent crisis. Behind the masks of strength, confidence, and resilience, countless men struggle with anxiety, depression, loneliness, and emotional exhaustion. Yet, Irish society’s expectations often discourage open conversations about mental wellbeing, leaving many to feel they have to fight their battles alone.

It really is time to change that narrative.

The Unspoken Struggles

Men face mental health challenges just as women do — but they are often less likely to seek help. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men are nearly three times more likely to die by suicide than women. Despite this, men are far less likely to access therapy or mental health services.

Why? Because of stigma.

From a young age, many boys are taught to “man up,” to be tough, not to cry, and to hide their emotions. These outdated ideas about masculinity can make vulnerability feel like weakness. But the truth is — opening up and seeking help takes incredible courage.

Common Mental Health Issues Among Men

Depression
Men often experience depression differently. Instead of sadness, it might appear as anger, irritability, or emotional numbness.
Anxiety Disorders
Work pressures, financial stress, and family responsibilities can all contribute to chronic anxiety — which men might suppress until it becomes overwhelming.
Substance Abuse
Some men turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with emotional pain, masking deeper mental health struggles.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Veterans, first responders, and survivors of trauma are at particularly high risk, and yet often feel they must “stay strong” instead of seeking therapy.

Why Men Don’t Seek Help

Fear of judgment or being seen as weak
Lack of emotional vocabulary to express feelings
Cultural or even generational stigma
Limited access to male-focused mental health resources

These barriers highlight why awareness and supportive environments are so essential.

Breaking the Stigma

Normalize Conversations
Talking about mental health should be as natural as talking about physical health. Share your stories. Ask your friends how they really are.
Redefine Strength
Strength isn’t about bottling emotions — it’s about having the courage to face them.
Encourage Professional Support
Therapy, counselling, and support groups are not signs of weakness. They are tools for healing and growth.
Build Brotherhood
Real friendship goes beyond sports and banter. It’s about creating safe spaces for honest conversations without judgment.

How to Support the Men in Your Life

Check in regularly and listen without interrupting.
Encourage them to seek help if needed.
Avoid minimizing their feelings or offering “quick fixes.”
Lead by example — open up about your own struggles too.

Men’s mental health deserves the same attention, compassion, and care as any other aspect of wellbeing. True masculinity isn’t about silence — it’s about authenticity, vulnerability, and growth.

If you’re struggling, know this: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness — it’s one of the bravest steps you can take.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help.

Call the Pieta helpline on 1800 247 247
Contact the Samaritans at 116 123 .
Spunout.ie

When your feeling stuck

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 16:59:58 GMT

When your not sure what's next, but you feel things need to change

Since the easing of restrictions around Covid, so many of us were eager to move out from our isolation, and once again embrace the outside world. Excited at the prospect of reconnecting with family and friends we moved forward, only to find ourselves feeling immobile, stuck. Rising feelings of anxiety, moments of panic, and a desire to return to the safety of isolation. The aftermath of Covid and the restrictions has left a lot of us feeling emotionally depleted. Not only finding it hard to concentrate and make decisions, but discovering a difficulty in connecting with those around us.

Taking time to reset becomes essential. Giving yourself the gift of space to build emotional resilience, to reassess your skills and qualities, and to set goals. Building on your personal development to enhance your self confidence and self esteem, and learning how to become an effective communicator to aid in rebuilding healthy relationships. These are the building blocks for a more assertive, confident, emotionally resilient individual.

Why not join us on our next Personal development course.

This will be held in Mullingar, 2.5 hours - one evening per week for 8 weeks

Commencing 22nd March 2023

Cost €250

For more information Contact our office today on 0879067505 and speak with a member of our team.

How Nature Nurtures

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 20:22:15 GMT

Getting out of the house and seeing the blackthorns and lime tree opposite our cottage induces a response in me that I can only describe as a neuronal sigh of relief : an unseen , silent reaction in the brain that is simultaneously soothing and curative . ( Mitchell , 2019, p . 5)

Laura Ryder works indoors with Westmeath Counselling, but also outdoors. Last year she completed a thesis looking at nature's impact on mental health and the potential of taking therapy outdoors. Below is an abridged version of the first chapter of "Counselling al fresco: is there a case for taking therapy outdoors?", which offers an explanation for why nature has sustained many of us through Covid restrictions and shows how it can help even now that restrictions have eased.

Anecdotal evidence has long suggested that nature is a resource for improving and maintaining mental health. A stroll on the beach seldom gets bad reviews. Walking the dog is for the person attached to the other end of the leash too. Weeding, pruning, planting and harvesting is good for more than just the garden.

Research looking at exactly how nature benefits mental health is becoming more common, and the picture is becoming clearer: anecdotal evidence is being backed up by empirical evidence that points towards nature being much more than just an aesthetically pleasing backdrop to busy lives.

Roger Ulrich is something of a pioneer in the area, with studies looking at nature as a stress-reducer. He found that views of nature with predominantly green vegetation “significantly improved the emotional states of stressed individuals” (Ulrich, 1981, p. 524) compared with exposure to urban scenes with no nature elements, which tended to have the opposite effect.

Psychologist Stephen Kaplan has also authored pioneering work researching the connection between nature and mental health. Together with Rachel Kaplan he came up with the idea of attention restoration theory (ART). Attention restoration is the antidote to directed attention fatigue, a state arrived at after mental effort has been put into concentrating intensely on one thing and ignoring distractions. Kaplan (1995) suggests that nature is an ideal restorative environment, where one’s attention is held involuntarily and with little effort. He argues that a reaction to beauty in nature is far from trivial, and that behind the reaction is an assessment of the environment culminating in a judgement that the area is compatible with human needs and where we are likely to function best (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989).

A 90-minute walk in nature has been shown to lower levels of rumination and result in less neural activity in the part of the brain linked to risk for mental illness, when compared with a similar walk in an urban setting (Bratman et al., 2015). A meta-analysis by Robertson et al. (2012) found walking to be an effective intervention for depression, and noted a statistically significant, large effect on its symptoms in some populations. A study by Harvey et al. (2018) concluded that even small amounts of exercise could protect against future depressive episodes. O’Mara (2019) describes walking as a “simple, doable, personal fix” (p. 4) that allows him to “walk it off, whatever it is” (p. 12).

Mind, a charity working in England and Wales that promotes ecotherapy as a mental health treatment, found that people’s mental health significantly improved after activities in nature (Bragg et al., 2013; MIND, 2007, 2013). Being outdoors has been linked to positive effects on feelings of vitality (Ryan et al., 2010), while even small, short engagements with nature have been found to make for better cognitive control (Berman et al., 2008).

Students in Canada who completed a 17-minute walk between two campus locations along a riverbank reported improvements in mood to the order of about one-third compared to those who made the journey via underground tunnels (Nisbet & Zelenski, 2011), though interestingly substantially underestimated how the outdoors walk would make them feel compared to the indoor alternative. Pretty et al. (2005) found that green exercise (exercise in the presence of nature) is more effective than exercise alone in improving mental health, while Barton and Pretty (2010) concluded that while exercise in nature improved self-esteem and mood, exercise in the presence of nature including water made for more improvements. As Mitchell (2019) eloquently describes: “walking in a garden, field or wood is like reaching into an invisible natural medicine cabinet” (p. 10).

Being in nature makes for a better ability to reflect (Mayer et al., 2009). O’Mara (2019) makes a connected observation regarding the inclusion of cloisters in building designs of the past, allowing people to walk and think outdoors while simultaneously being protected from inclement weather. A report for Mind charity also makes mention of nature’s role in mental health in the past, in particular how mental health institutions were “often situated in pleasant gardens and natural landscapes” (Mind, 2007, p. 4).

Nature has an impact even when viewed from indoors. A study of hospital patients discovered that those in rooms with windows looking out at a tree had shorter post-operative stays, had fewer negative evaluative comments from nurses, took fewer moderate and strong analgesic medicine doses and had slightly lower scores for minor postsurgical complications than their fellow patients in rooms looking out at a brick wall (Ulrich, 1984). Meanwhile workers in an office setting have been found to be more hostile, anxious and depressed than those working in rooms with windows, while those working near windows are reportedly more content than their colleagues seated further away (Selhub & Logan, 2012).

Nature does not have to remain outside to positively influence a person’s mental health. Adding plants to an indoor room makes for a better mood (Selhub & Logan, 2012), while McGeeney (2016, p. 74) argues that adding “a bowl of fresh flowers or a potted plant can make a difference” in the therapy room. Fearful patients waiting to see the dentist have been found to be less stressed when a large nature mural was added to a previously blank wall (Heerwagen, 1990, as cited in McGeeney, 2016, p. 77). A study recording intentional damage to artwork at a Swedish psychiatric hospital over two decades found that no pictures of nature were touched over the duration of the study (Ulrich, 1986, as cited in McGeeney, 2016, p. 74).

Raynor Winn and her husband set off on a 630-mile walk in 2013 when they became homeless in their 50s. A tough existence with few comforts, Winn (2019, p. 370) nonetheless describes nature as her safe place and acknowledges how the couple changed with their path, becoming “stronger, calmer, our passage quieter”.

The ancient intuitive understanding that nature plays a very important role in mental health has more recently been augmented with theories and supported in a wide range of research studies. The bottom line is that nature is a resource we could all harness for our own good. Perhaps you could forge a closer connection to nature in your life, either by bringing it into your indoor environment or meeting it outside and allowing its benefits to soak into your very being?

References

Barton, J. & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for

Improving Mental Health? A Multi-Study Analysis. Environmental Science &

Technology, 44(10), 3947-3955. doi: 10.1021/es903183r

Berman, M., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting With

Nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207-1212. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x

Bragg, R., Wood, C. & Barton, J. (2013). Ecominds effects on mental wellbeing: An

evaluation for MIND. Retrieved from https://www.mind.org.uk/media/354166/Ecominds-effects-on-mental-wellbeing-evaluation-report.pdf

Bratman, G., Hamilton, J., Hahn, K., Daily, G., & Gross, J. (2015). Nature experience

reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences, 112(28), 8567-8572. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1510459112

Harvey, S.B., Øverland, S., Hatch, S.L., Wessely, S., Mykletun, A. & Hotopf, M. (2018).

Exercise and the prevention of depression: Results of the HUNT cohort study. American Journal of Psychiatry. 175(1), 28-36. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.16111223

Kaplan, R. & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective.

Cambridge University Press.

Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework.

Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15(3), 169-182. doi: 10.1016/0272-

4944(95)90001-2

Mayer, F., Frantz, C., Bruehlman-Senecal, E., & Dolliver, K. (2009). Why Is Nature

Beneficial?. Environment And Behavior, 41(5), 607-643. doi: 10.1177/0013916508319745

McGeeney, A. (2016). With nature in mind: The ecotherapy manual for mental health

professionals. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

MIND (2007, May). Ecotherapy: The green agenda for mental health.

https://www.mind.org.uk/media/211255/Ecotherapy_The_green_agenda_for_mental_health.pdf

MIND (2013). Feel better outside, feel better inside: Ecotherapy for mental wellbeing,

resilience and recovery. https://www.mind.org.uk/media/336359/Feel-better-outside-feel-better-inside-report.pdf

Mitchell, E. (2019). The wild remedy: How nature mends us. Michael O’Mara Books

Limited.

Nisbet, E.K. & Zelenski, J.M. (2011). Underestimating nearby nature: Affective forecasting

errors obscure the happy path to sustainability. Psychological Science. XX(X), 1-6. doi: 10.1177/0956797611418527

O’Mara, S. (2019). In praise of walking: The new science of how we walk and why it’s good

for us. Vintage Publishing.

Robertson, R., Robertson, A., Jepson, R., & Maxwell, M. (2012). Walking for depression or

depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mental Health And Physical Activity, 5(1), 66-75. doi: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2012.03.002

Ryan, R., Weinstein, N., Bernstein, J., Brown, K., Mistretta, L., & Gagné, M. (2010).

Vitalizing effects of being outdoors and in nature. Journal Of Environmental

Psychology, 30(2), 159-168. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2009.10.009

Selhub, E., & Logan, A. (2012). Your brain on nature [Ebook]. John Wiley and Sons

Canada, Ltd. Retrieved from https://libgen.is

Ulrich, R. (1981). Natural versus urban scenes. Environment and Behaviour, 13(5), 523-556.

doi: 10.1177/0013916581135001

Ulrich, R. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from

surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420-421. doi: 10.1126/science.6143402

Winn, R. (2019). The salt path. Penguin Books Ltd.

Five ways to bring mindfulness into your busy life

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 20:05:18 GMT

“If you are facing in the right direction all you need to do is keep on walking” Buddha

The last eighteen months have been very stressful for us all. Who would have anticipated two years ago that we would find ourselves living through a worldwide pandemic and the life we took for granted would change so much? We have all been exposed to fear, uncertainty, and endless feeds of bad news on a daily basis. This has caused upheaval in our lives leading to stress, anxiety, and depression in some people. Practicing mindfulness can help us break out of the endless negative stories our minds tell us. It can help us to stay focused and deal with life’s challenges. It can bring peace and calm into our lives and lead to mental and physical wellness.

What is Mindfulness?

So, what is mindfulness? John Kabat Zinn one of the leading figures in the modern mindfulness movement describes mindfulness as “the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally”

Why practice mindfulness?

When we practice mindfulness and pay attention to the present moment, we begin to live more fully in the present. We are less likely to have negative thoughts about the past and the future. Have you thought that you would like to practice mindfulness meditation, but you simply cannot find the time in your busy day to sit down and meditate? The good news is that you can still bring mindfulness into your day without having to sit down and meditate.

Here are five ways you can practice mindfulness during your busy day.

1 Take a breath and slow down

Are you aware of how you are breathing moment to moment? Are you breathing rapidly? Is your breathing shallow? Reset your breathing by noting to yourself that you are breathing in and breathing out. Remind yourself to breath slowly and deliberately. Try breathing in to the count of four, holding your breath to the count of seven and breathing out forcefully through your mouth to the count of eight. This has an incredibly calming effect on the body and mind.

2. Take mindful breaks during everyday tasks

Did you know that you can practice mindfulness when you are doing everyday tasks? All you have to do is to become aware of what you are doing in the moment. It is as simple as that. Become aware of every step in the task you are doing anything from cleaning the cooker to cooking a meal to gardening.

3. Practice mindful walking and sitting.

Pay attention to your body when exercising or at rest. If you are exercising tune into the movements of your body. If you are out walking become aware of the sensation of walking. Focus on the feeling of the soles of the feet on the ground and each movement your body makes as you walk. Tune in to your surroundings. Notice the trees, the clouds in the sky and the wind in your hair. When you are sitting become aware of the contact between your body and the chair. The more you practice this the more you will benefit from these mindful moments.

4. Practice Mindful Eating

Have you ever had the experience of eating a meal and not being aware fully of what you are eating or how you are eating? So many of us sit down to eat while watching television or listening to the radio or playing with our phone. If you eat mindlessly, you will eat more, and your digestion will suffer. The next time you sit down to eat be aware of how you eat. Do you eat fast or slow? Do you chew your food properly or do you just bolt it down so you can get on to the next thing?

5. Take a break from your phone

Have you ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through your phone particularly in the evening and at night? Do you have problems sleeping? Park your phone and take a break from it before bedtime. Observe what happens when you do this. You may find this uncomfortable at first, but you can fill that space with a mindful break or mindful breathing. You will reap the benefits in a restful sleep.

I hope these simple tips help you to bring mindfulness into your daily life. Doing this will help you feel more positive, and more in charge of what you are thinking and doing. If you feel you would like to give more time to sitting mindfulness meditation, you could use an apps such Headspace, Insight Timer and YouTube. If you feel anxious, depressed, or stressed and it is having a significant impact on your life counselling and psychotherapy can help.

Mary O’Neill (MIACP), Counsellor & Psychotherapist

A look back to reopening the centre in June 2020

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 17:11:39 GMT

It was great to get back face to face

Exciting news, We Have re-opened!

Although our services never stopped throughout the Lockdown, our therapists worked tirelessly to assist all clients and insure they still had access to counselling via telephone sessions, and video link. It is still nice to know we are getting somewhat back to normality. We now have the ability to facilitate those who have found the isolation extremely difficult, and we are in a position to give them back a sense of connection that a face to face session can give. However, we will continue to provide Telephone and video sessions, so as to maximise the services available to our clients.

We are very grateful that we are able to meet the stringent, but very necessary guidelines set down to provide counselling in a safe environment, to protect both client and therapist. The rooms are large enough to allow the two-metre distance between therapist and the client. Clients will remain in their car until the therapist calls them in and the centre will be sanitised between clients.

Our Therapists have a wide range of skills, extensive training and many years of experience to offer. Our student programme ensures that we can provide a low-cost counselling option too.

Westmeath Counselling service is located at Lemongrove, Gaybrook, Mullingar. More information about our services we can offer and the therapists who provide it, can be found on our website at: www.westmeathcounsellingservice.ie or Call 0879067505