EXPERIENTIAL THERAPY WITH HORSES
Equine-Assisted Therapy & Equus Coaching in California
Sometimes we understand ourselves differently when we step outside the usual therapy room.
Experiential, relationship-based work with horses for greater awareness, connection, emotional growth, and meaningful change.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS
What Happens During an Equine-Assisted Therapy Session?
There isn't one standard activity that happens every time.
A session may involve spending time near horses, observing them, interacting with them from the ground, participating in structured exercises, walking alongside a horse, or reflecting on what you notice during an interaction.
Your therapist may invite you to pay attention to things like:
What you notice in your body
Where your attention goes
How you approach the horse
What makes you hesitate
How you respond to uncertainty
Whether you become focused on doing something “correctly”
What happens when the horse responds differently than expected
How you experience closeness and distance
What emotions emerge during the interaction
Sometimes an experience connects very clearly with something happening elsewhere in your life.
Sometimes it doesn't.
We don't need to force every movement a horse makes into a metaphor.
The value is often in having something happening in the present moment that you can experience, notice, and explore.
OUR APPROACH
Experiential Therapy Without Forcing the Metaphor
You may have noticed a theme here:
We are not going to tell you that because a horse walked away, this represents your relationship with your mother.
Maybe something meaningful comes up.
Maybe an interaction reminds you of something.
Maybe you notice a pattern you've seen elsewhere.
Wonderful. We can explore it.
But experiential therapy works best when curiosity comes before interpretation.
At Alison Hunter Therapy, equine-assisted work is an opportunity to become more aware of your actual experience in the moment- your thoughts, emotions, body, expectations, impulses, boundaries, and ways of relating.
The horse provides another participant.
The environment provides another context.
And therapy helps us understand what, if anything, the experience reveals.
WHAT IF I'M NERVOUS AROUND HORSES?
Can I Do Equine-Assisted Therapy If Horses Make Me Nervous?
Possibly, depending on the nature and intensity of your discomfort.
You do not need to be fearless around horses.
They are large animals. Having some respect for that fact is reasonable.
Your therapist should never require you to participate in an interaction that feels unsafe.
Sessions can be adapted based on your experience, comfort, therapeutic goals, and the environment.
If you have significant fear of horses, physical limitations, allergies, or other concerns that may affect participation, bring those up during your consultation so we can determine whether equine-assisted work is an appropriate fit.
THERAPY ACROSS CALIFORNIA
Online & In-Person Therapy Across California
Our therapists provide online therapy throughout California, making it possible to access relational, individualized support from wherever you call home.
In-person, nature-based and experiential therapy services are also available in select Northern and Central California communities.
Therapy in Salinas
Explore therapy for adults, couples, children, teens and families in Salinas, California, including in-person services.
Connections Boarding Stables 22400 Indian Springs Rd
Salinas, CA 93908
Therapy in Auburn
Explore therapy services for individuals, couples and families in Auburn and the surrounding Northern California communities.
Therapy in Truckee
Find therapy in Truckee for relationships, anxiety, trauma, stress, life transitions and other challenges, with virtual and select experiential options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Equine-Assisted Therapy
-
Equine-assisted therapy is an experiential therapeutic approach that incorporates horses and interactions with them into psychotherapy. Sessions may involve observation, ground-based activities, relationship-building, movement, and reflection with a therapist.
-
No. Our equine-assisted therapy is entirely ground-based, so there is no horseback riding involved. Sessions may include interacting with, observing, or working alongside the horses in ways that support the therapeutic process.
-
No. Previous riding or horse experience is not required to participate in equine-assisted therapy. Your therapist can explain what to expect and help you approach the experience at an appropriate pace.
-
Depending on the client and treatment plan, equine-assisted therapy may be incorporated into work involving anxiety, stress, trauma-related concerns, relationships, boundaries, emotional awareness, life transitions, and personal growth. It is not automatically appropriate for every concern or every client.
-
Some clients experiencing anxiety find experiential therapy useful because it creates opportunities to notice thoughts, physical responses, uncertainty, and patterns of control in real time. Whether equine-assisted therapy is appropriate depends on your individual needs and treatment goals.
-
Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a mental health service provided within the scope of psychotherapy. Equus Coaching is a coaching service oriented toward awareness, personal development, leadership, communication, goals, or growth. A consultation can help determine which service is appropriate for what you're seeking.
-
Because sessions may take place outdoors or around horses, practical clothing and appropriate footwear may be recommended. Specific requirements can vary by location and activity, so you'll receive guidance before your first equine-assisted session.
-
The horse-assisted portion of equine therapy requires an in-person setting. Other psychotherapy services through Alison Hunter Therapy may be available online throughout California, depending on your therapist and needs.
RELATED SERVICES
Explore Other Experiential & Therapeutic Approaches
Nature-Based Therapy →
Therapeutic work incorporating the natural environment
Trauma Therapy →
Support for experiences that continue affecting how you feel, relate, and respond
Anxiety Therapy →
Therapy for worry, overthinking, uncertainty, and feeling chronically on edge
Life Transitions Therapy →
Support while navigating change, identity, decisions, and what comes next
EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY & EQUUS COACHING
Step Outside the Therapy Room.
You don't have to know exactly what you're looking for before you begin.
Sometimes changing the environment gives us a different way to notice ourselves.
Come curious.
We'll take it from there.