At Aliya Mental Health, we believe healing comes from many sources—including the powerful, intuitive presence of horses. Our equine-assisted therapies combine mental health treatment with the power of horses to support emotional growth, trauma recovery, and behavioral change. These equine-related treatments are facilitated by specially trained mental health professionals and equine specialists, blending structure and intuition in a natural, healing environment.

Whether you’re overcoming trauma, navigating a mental health issue, or rebuilding after substance abuse, interacting with the horses can provide clarity, insight, and hope.

What Are Equine-Assisted Therapies?

Equine therapy programs use structured, goal-oriented activities and therapy involving horses to support emotional healing and psychological resilience. These sessions are not about riding—instead, they emphasize connection, communication, and feedback through equine movement and behavior. Common approaches include:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) – A form of talk therapy conducted with a trained horse, guided by a licensed therapist.
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) – Focuses on personal development, leadership, and life skills through non-verbal communication with horses.
Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning (EAGALA) – A model used worldwide that supports assisted growth and learning through structured horse-human interaction.

These therapeutic models are a form of animal-assisted therapy, designed to complement other mental health therapies such as CBT, group counseling, and occupational therapy.

Why Horses?

Horses are naturally attuned to their environment and respond authentically to human behavior. Their ability to reflect emotional states without judgment allows patients to receive immediate, honest feedback—a living form of emotional biofeedback.

By interacting with the horses, patients learn how their energy, emotions, and intentions affect others. This opens the door to deeper self-awareness, trust-building, and healthy boundary setting.

The Benefits of Holistic Care

Equine-assisted psychotherapy has been shown to benefit individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma
Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
Substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns
Emotional regulation and behavioral challenges
Attachment-related issues and interpersonal difficulties
Chronic stress and psychosomatic pain

These equine therapy programs help individuals build self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and healthy communication—all vital elements in lasting recovery.

What to Expect During Equine-Assisted Sessions

Each session is guided by specially trained therapists and equine professionals who ensure safety and therapeutic integrity. Activities may include:

Grooming and care – Helps establish connection, calm the nervous system, and promote nurturing behaviors.
Groundwork and leading exercises – Practice coping strategies, boundary-setting, and assertiveness.
Reflective observation – Discussing how the horse responded to your presence, emotions, or movements.

Sessions are structured around goals set by the client and therapist, and progress is discussed to connect insights to daily behaviors, relationships, and healing progress.

Unlike horseback riding, these sessions focus on mental health treatment through relationship and feedback—not riding technique.

Key Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapies

Engaging in equine-assisted growth activities can support:

Reduced stress and anxiety through mindful interaction
Improved communication and trust—with others and with self
Greater emotional regulation and self-awareness
A sense of safety and confidence when engaging with a large, powerful, yet gentle animal
A supportive bridge between mental health therapies and real-life challenges

patients often report feeling more grounded, empowered, and connected after just a few sessions with our trained horses.

Equine Therapy as Part of Holistic Treatment

At Aliya Mental Health, equine-assisted learning is integrated into a broader framework of care. You may combine it with:

Traditional talk therapy such as CBT or DBT
Family therapy to support relational healing
Occupational therapy to build life skills and routine
Medication management when appropriate for symptom support
Experiential and holistic activities, including nature therapy and mindfulness practices

Together, these modalities form a cohesive treatment plan that addresses the full spectrum of behavioral health and mental health conditions.

Experience the Power of Horses at Aliya Mental Health

Aliya Mental Health offers a peaceful, natural setting for recovery. Our equine therapy programs are available to patients across the United States, providing a unique path to wellness through nature, connection, and assisted growth and learning.

If you or a loved one could benefit from animal-assisted therapy, we invite you to experience firsthand how equine-assisted therapies can transform the healing process. Whether you’re in a group, one-on-one, or part of a family therapy setting, the power of horses can help you reconnect with your inner strength and purpose.

Start Your Journey Today

Take the next step toward healing with Aliya Mental Health. Our team of mental health professionals is here to guide you through a personalized treatment plan that may include individual psychotherapy, equine-related treatments, and more.

Call us today to learn more about our equine-assisted psychotherapy offerings or to schedule an intake session. Let the healing begin—one step, and one hoofbeat, at a time.