EQUINE ASSISTED Therapy Program

Bradford partners with Insight Equine Therapy and Inanda Stables for the Equine experiential experience. Patients respond differently to clinical methods.

Equine Assisted Therapy increases the ability to meet individualized treatment goals of patients and expands their recovery skills.

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Bradford’s EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY PROGRAM

Equine Assisted Therapy has shown many benefits. Research indicates it lowers blood pressure, relieves stress, and reduces the symptoms of anxiety, tension, depression and anger. Additionally, animal-based therapy such as equine assisted therapy can help newly recovering addicts and alcoholics develop the healthy living skills needed to achieve lasting sobriety.

HOW IT works

Sessions are conducted by a certified equine therapist, who guides the activities and interactions between the patient and the horse. The therapy takes advantage of the mental and physical exercise that working with a horse can provide. Interacting with a horse means working around its moods, attitudes and personality. The horse’s feedback helps patients distinguish between helpful or harmful actions and acceptable ways of asserting themselves. Bradford’s counselors are present to discuss emotions that surface during the equine experience, and help patients gain insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

Patients struggling with managing emotions, relationships and self-worth gain great practice working with horses. Horses are emotionally sensitive and mirror what is going on internally with the patient rather than what is externally exhibited. Patients learn to trust the horse and have the horse trust them. Working with horses improves self-responsibility, self-confidence, patience and self-respect. After the patient practices with a horse, Bradford’s counselors help translate their success into improved relationships with people.

phys i ca l & emot ional gains OF EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY

• Improved Communication

• Greater Self-Awareness

• Reduces Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Increased Self-Control

• Strategies for Codependency

• Establishing Boundaries

• Managing Grief/Loss

• Improved Self-Esteem

• Tools for Healthy Relationships

• Self-Empowerment

• Improved Self-Respect

• Increases Self-Confidence

Benef i t s o f Equine A s s i s t ed Therapy IN ALCOHOL & DRUG TREATMENT