1215HC

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Billings Clinic 2800 Tenth Avenue North Billings, Montana 59101

billingsclinic.com/equinetherapy

“There is something about the outside of a horse

that is good for the inside of a man.”– unknown

To schedule an assessment to see if this program is right for you,

call Shannon Bauer-Nave at (406) 255-8558.

Space within the program is limited.

Does research support Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) has roots in solution focused therapy in terms of therapeutic orientation (EAGALA, 2001). Therapists who practice EAP ask clients to look into themselves to find solutions to a problem by looking for times when the problem that the client has or has not identified did not exist (Mann, 1998; McDaniel, 1998, 2000). The EAP is experiential in nature. That is, success in EAP is not experienced until an interaction between the horse and human takes place. Without social interaction where people are relating to each other, individuals are not given feedback on their behaviors and social skills. Without feedback, an individual may not see how they impact others and how behaviors can be changed or adapted.Source: Russell-Martin, L.A. (2006).  Equine facilitated couples therapy and Solution Focused couples therapy: A comparative study. Doctorate of Philosophy, Northcentral University

In summary, the present study showed that participants reported significant improvements in psychological functioning immediately following an EAP program and that these changes were stable at 6-month follow-up. Source: Klontz, B.T., Bivens, A., Leinart, D. & Klontz, T. (2007).  The effectiveness of equine-assisted experiential therapy: Results of an open clinical trial.  Society and Animals, 15 (2007), 257-267.

Does insurance cover this therapy?Most insurance companies will cover Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Our financial specialist is available to assist you in contacting your insurance company.

Please note: There is an $80 program fee in addition to insurance coverage or self pay.

Why do we use horses?Naturally intimidating to many, horses are large and powerful. This creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. Working alongside a horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides wonderful insight when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.

Like humans, horses are social animals, with defined roles within their herds. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods; an approach that works with one horse won’t necessarily work with another.

Most importantly, horses mirror human body language. Many complain, “This horse is stubborn. That horse doesn’t like me,” etc. The lesson is that if they change themselves, the horses respond differently. Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers.Source: eagala.org

What is the EAGALA model?The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is the leading international nonprofit association for professionals incorporating horses to address mental health and personal development needs. For more information, visit eagala.org.

Why Billings Clinic?Billings Clinic is the only integrated health system in the U.S. that offers this innovative approach to mental health care under the direct supervision of an EAGALA-certified team of an adult psychiatrist and equine specialist. Our equine specialist has completed over 6,000 hours (equal to approximately 3 years full-time work) experience/hands-on work with horses. Additionally, an on-site registered nurse with 30 years of psychiatric nursing completes our team.

The service will be provided by Dr. Elizabeth Walter, Sheila Buschette, and Patty Yoder, RN.

To learn more about Dr. Elizabeth Walter, visit billingsclinic.com/provider.

(L-R): Elizabeth Walter, MD, and Sheila Buschette, equine specialist

Elizabeth Walter, MD

What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential therapy. This unique approach to therapy incorporates horses, a mental health professional, an equine professional, and patients in a collaborative effort to facilitate emotional growth and learning. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is typically considered a short-term or “brief” approach (2-3 months). No riding is involved.

What can patients expect?Patients entering this program will begin the process with an in-office comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to assure a good therapeutic fit. The goal of this program is to combine psychiatric medications and equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) to improve symptoms and allow people to learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns in their lives. Ultimately, the goal of these combined therapies is to empower and change peoples’ lives.

Who would benefit from Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?EAP is used to treat a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, ADHD, PTSD, substance use disorders, eating disorders, grief and loss, anger issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, and communication needs.