Alternative treatments can serve as a valuable complement to traditional treatments for addiction, such as behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and psychoeducational groups. At Texas Recovery Center, we use a holistic approach to treatment to help our patients heal and change our treatment methods to fit each patient’s needs. Aside from our evidence-based addiction treatment modalities, we offer you activities and services to enhance your treatment experience, including equine-assisted learning. One of our most popular treatment options is our equine-assisted learning program in Texas.
Our Texas Recovery Center team has seen that working with horses provides healing for some people in recovery. If you or someone you care about is interested in Texas equine-assisted learning as part of an addiction treatment plan, contact our team at 844-230-5931 or connect with us online.
Texas Recovery Center recognizes that effective addiction treatment requires a variety of programs and services so each person in recovery has what they need to be successful, so we present a range of opportunities, such as equine activities. If you’re interested in learning more about our addiction treatment therapy programs in Texas, reach out to Texas Recovery Center today by calling 844-230-5931 or completing our online contact form.
The History of Equine Assistance
The roots of assistance from horses go back thousands of years. Horses were used primarily for agriculture and transportation. In fact, it wasn’t until the twentieth century that interactions with horses became almost exclusively for recreation. Although horses still perform essential functions in some cases, many of their past roles have been replaced by machines.
However, there are applications for interacting with horses that help people learn more about themselves. Often, when people take care of horses, it gives them a sense of respect for another creature. This kind of equine assistance also provides people with a sense of something bigger than themselves.
Understanding Equine-Assisted Learning
As the teacher witnesses your interactions with the horse, namely how you react to the horse’s behaviors, they will be able to develop a more clear idea of the areas that you may struggle with on a personal or interpersonal level. In many cases, a person who has a drug or alcohol addiction will use the substance to self-medicate instead of confronting the situation or emotions in their lives that may need resolution. Equine-assisted learning may provide some individuals with a non-judgemental and proactive way to accomplish this goal.
How Do You Interact with the Horse During Equine-Assisted Learning?
Some people may find it daunting to interact in such close proximity with a large animal. Horses are very gentle and patient creatures. Please be advised that we will never make you do something that you are uncomfortable with, and you will always be closely supervised by individuals who are highly trained and familiar with horses. Also, it is crucial for you to realize that you do not need any prior experience or training with horses to take part in this activity.
During the course of our equine-assisted learning sessions, you will spend one-on-one time with the horse. You will have the opportunity to groom, feed, and exercise the horse. Though simple, these activities are essential to the horse’s well-being in a capacity that might remind you of the fundamental nature of your own self-care. It can be empowering for some to be responsible for another creature’s welfare. Perhaps your addiction has depleted your self-confidence and sense of self-worth. Having an opportunity to be in control and in communication with these gentle beasts may make you more grounded and centered in who you are.
Benefits of Equine Activities in Texas
Although equine-assisted learning may not be an evidence-based means of treatment for substance use disorders specifically, it may have certain benefits for some patients when combined with our primary treatment modalities.
Equine-assisted activities may help some patients to:
- Learn to manage your emotions
- Foster a sense of confidence and assertiveness
- Better understand the importance of boundaries
- Become more resilient and focused
- Acquire critical non-verbal communication skills
- Feel connected and needed
- Banish negative emotions and foster positive emotional growth
- Relax and be present in the moment
- Enhance independence and self-sufficiency
Explore Texas Equine-Assisted Learning at Texas Recovery Center
The key to effective addiction treatment is providing a range of programs and services so that each person in recovery can find what works best for them. At Texas Recovery Center, our equine-assisted learning is just one of many options that people in our care can choose to find peace and well-being. Learn more about Texas equine-assisted learning from our team today by calling 844-230-5931 or filling out our online form.
