Revival of Equine Therapy at DreamLife Recovery: Science-Backed Benefits

A brown and white horse used for equine therapy sticks its head outside of its stall.
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Article reviewed by Dr. Sandeep Mendiratta, MD

DreamLife Recovery is excited to announce the revival of our equine therapy program, offering a unique, evidence-based approach to healing in addiction recovery.

What is Equine Therapy?

Equine-assisted therapy involves structured interactions between clients and horses, guided by trained professionals. This therapy harnesses the sensitivity and responsiveness of horses to foster emotional growth, self-awareness, and resilience.

Scientific Evidence for Equine Therapy

  • Mental Health Improvements:
    Research demonstrates that equine-assisted interventions can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A systematic review found that just five one-hour sessions with horses led to notable clinical improvements in PTSD symptoms, emotional regulation, and stress management5. Another university-led study showed marked reductions in PTSD and depressive symptoms three months after treatment, highlighting the therapy’s lasting impact6.
  • Emotional and Social Benefits:
    Interacting with horses helps patients develop nonverbal communication skills, emotional regulation, and trust-crucial elements for those recovering from trauma or addiction56. The experiential, non-judgmental nature of working with horses encourages self-reflection and builds self-confidence.
  • Physical and Cognitive Gains:
    Equine-assisted therapy has been shown to improve fine and gross motor skills, sleep quality, and overall well-being in participants with diverse backgrounds and needs. Patients often experience reduced heart rate and blood pressure, indicating lower stress levels during and after sessions37.
  • Safety and Animal Welfare:
    Scientific studies confirm that therapy sessions are safe for both participants and horses. Horses involved in therapy do not experience undue stress, and their physiological responses return to baseline after sessions, ensuring ethical and effective care for all involved34.

Why Choose Equine Therapy at DreamLife Recovery?

Our tranquil Western Pennsylvania setting provides the perfect backdrop for equine therapy, combining expert clinical care with the proven healing power of human-animal connection. Whether you’re seeking emotional balance, improved coping skills, or a fresh path in recovery, equine therapy offers a transformative experience supported by science.

Ready to start your journey? Contact DreamLife Recovery to learn more about our revived equine therapy program and how it can support your path to wellness.

Citations:

  1. https://dreamliferecovery.com
  2. https://dreamliferecovery.com/
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8698107/
  4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6681086/
  5. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1277338/full
  6. https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/horse-therapy-helps-veterans-overcome-trauma
  7. https://research.unl.edu/blog/huskers-equine-therapy-research-helps-children-cope-with-adhd/
  8. https://recovery.com/resources/what-happens-in-equine-assisted-therapy/
  9. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00332941221146707
  10. https://www.sierratucson.com/about/news-media/articles/equine-assisted-psychotherapy/
  11. https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/equine-assisted-therapy-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-military-veterans-open-trial/
  12. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949905425000040
  13. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equine-assisted_therapy
  14. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_science_behind_equine_assisted_activities_and_therapeutic_riding_part_i
  15. https://www.gallopnyc.org/research
  16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34464523/
  17. https://www.verywellmind.com/equine-therapy-mental-health-treatment-4177932
  18. https://www.treatmentindiana.com/beyond-the-saddle-equine-therapys-impact-on-mental-health/
  19. https://academic.oup.com/milmed/article/189/1-2/e220/7234016
  20. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/equine-therapy
  21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35811394/
  22. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01612840.2024.2364236?src=

 

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