Equine-Guided Psychotherapy is a mental health offering that incorporates horses into the treatment process as an alternative to talk-therapy. Equine therapy sessions offer individuals the opportunity to connect with a horse, on the ground, with the guidance of a licensed mental health professional who specializes in equine-assisted and nature-based therapy. 

Equine therapy sessions are individualized based on each client’s needs and hopes for therapy. As a mental health professional, your facilitator will collaborate with you to establish meaningful goals for your time with the horse. 

Sessions will be structured over 12-weeks to guide clients toward personal growth and empowerment. After finishing, clients can keep working with a horse if it feels right for them, or they can be referred to in-office therapy to continue working on their mental health goals.

Equine therapy takes place in an outdoor space at a working barn in Santa Barbara, CA. Equine-guided therapy does not include any riding. Sessions are often centered around being with the horse without having to do something or be task-oriented. The horse is typically at liberty within an enclosed area, free to move and respond with its natural instinct.

Horses are integral to each session because of their non-judgmental interactions, their intrinsic drive to connect and form relationships, and their ability to perceive and respond to shifts in energy due to their prey instinct. The horse's natural responses to the emotional energy the participant brings to the moment provides an opportunity for self-reflection, discussion, and personal growth.

*Sessions are currently only offered on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons due to limited availability. Please reach out to be notified or to join the waitlist for future openings. 

Santa Barbara Equine Therapy offers Equine-Guided Psychotherapy for individuals and youth experiencing anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, trauma, grief and loss, burnout and chronic stress, difficulty with a life transition, self-esteem, or relationship issues.

Work with the horse to

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practice self-regulation

build self-esteem + self-efficacy

engage in decision-making + problem solving

develop a fluid leadership style

advocate for personal needs

nurture empathy

practice healthy boundaries

access creativity

strengthen intuition

connect with nature

Individual sessions are $200 for 60 minutes.

*Sliding scale and low fee may be an option based on individual client need and availability. Please feel free to reach out if cost is a barrier for you.