Equine-Assisted Psycotherapy (EAP)

At Lakeview Equine-Assisted Services, we offer Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP).

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a unique, experiential form of therapy that integrates the presence and responsiveness of horses into the therapeutic process. Grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed practices, EAP provides clients with opportunities to build emotional awareness, develop healthy coping strategies, improve relational skills, and process trauma in a safe and supportive environment.

All sessions are conducted on the ground—there is no riding involved—and take place in an enclosed arena on our private facility, ensuring privacy, structure, and safety for both clients and horses. Through guided, intentional interactions and structured activities with the horses, clients gain insight into their emotions, behaviors, and relational patterns.

The science behind eap

EAP is based on the principle that horses, as prey animals, are deeply sensitive to human emotion and body language. This makes them powerful partners in therapy, providing immediate and honest feedback in a nonjudgmental environment. Research shows EAP can be effective in supporting individuals dealing with:

  • PTSD and complex trauma

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Attachment disorders

  • Behavioral challenges

  • Emotional regulation difficulties

  • Low self-esteem

  • Communication and relational struggles

Our Approach

Our Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) sessions are grounded in the Diamond Model, which emphasizes an equal partnership between the client, licensed mental health professional, certified equine specialist, and therapy horse. In group settings, multiple clients may participate alongside a team of carefully selected horses, allowing for dynamic relational work and experiential learning. This model supports clinical effectiveness, emotional safety, and the ethical treatment of all equine partners.

Each professional serves a distinct and essential role:

  • The Mental Health Professional facilitates the therapeutic process, ensures emotional safety, and supports the client’s psychological needs, including trauma processing, emotional regulation, and communication.

  • The Equine Specialist is responsible for equine welfare, behavioral interpretation, and overall safety. The ES advocates for the horse, who is not only a co-facilitator but a sentient being capable of mirroring and responding to human emotion.

Because horses are highly sensitive to nonverbal cues and emotional states, they often absorb and reflect clients' inner experiences. This can be emotionally taxing for the animal, making it imperative to have a trained equine specialist present to monitor the horse’s well-being and ensure that all interactions remain ethical, respectful, and aligned with best practices in both animal welfare and clinical care.

Our professionals are proudly certified by both PATH Intl. and EAGALA, blending the strengths of each framework to deliver client-centered, ethically grounded, and professionally guided services.

Who We Serve

Our EAP program is designed for both individuals and groups, with a current focus on at-risk youth, including:

  • Victims and survivors of sex trafficking

  • Youth involved in the juvenile justice system

  • Children and teens navigating trauma, grief, or major life transitions

We currently partner with local organizations to provide group therapy sessions and are always open to new collaborations.

Getting Started

We offer 8-week and 10-week programs, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client or group.

If you are:

A parent or caregiver interested in services, a clinician seeking referrals, or an organization looking to provide therapeutic support to your clients:

Please leave a message below to learn more or request pricing information.