Attention: We only offer an Equine Experience currently, not Equine Therapy.
Animal-assisted therapy is a safe and effective intervention for people struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other co-occurring emotional disorders.
At The Raleigh House, we embrace nontraditional yet evidence-based approaches to recovery. Equine-assisted psychotherapy offers a highly effective therapeutic solution, allowing clients to benefit from horses’ natural herd dynamics and sensitivity to nuanced physical impulses. Interaction with horses in a controlled, safe setting helps guests achieve a level of self-knowledge they might not have previously experienced. This can be a powerful healing tool.
Animal-assisted counseling programs can be tailored to the needs of people with co-occurring addiction disorders. Proximity to animals can provide a distraction from the challenges of addiction, promote relaxation, and increase motivation to engage in therapeutic activities.
Animal-assisted therapy programs help people struggling with the following co-occurring addiction disorders:
- Depression.
- Anxiety Disorders.
- Complex Trauma.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The Raleigh House offers animal-assisted therapy in Denver, CO, from our 40-acre ranch. If you’re seeking animal-assisted therapy in Denver, please don’t hesitate to contact our caring representatives to schedule a tour today.
Types of Animal-Assisted Therapy
Along with other specialized therapy programs, we offer equine-assisted psychotherapy on our 40-acre Colorado wellness lodge. Our clients are encouraged to participate in this immersive intervention under the guidance of a licensed therapist and handler.
Horses possess a natural capacity to recognize even subtle stress signals in humans and animals. When a horse senses hesitation or anxiety, that horse will respond directly and empathetically. This helps the client and the handler address the underlying feelings surrounding a particular action, memory, or experience.
We offer two categories of equine-assisted psychotherapy. They include:
- Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA Model)
This technique offers hands-on experience working with horses in a controlled, safe environment. With the help of EAGALA-certified professionals, clients can address issues and concerns that they might not be ready to explore during traditional talk therapy. During EAGALA sessions, guests work with horses and their trained handlers on the ground—no riding. Through the horse/client interaction, the client and therapist can identify underpinning emotions and reactions through the horse’s responses. - Trauma-Focused Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (Natural Lifemanship Model)
This equine-assisted therapeutic model offers a combination of ground and mounted work designed to address concerns related to severe emotional trauma. This intervention involves the client developing a relationship—and partnership—with a horse to build strong attachment and detachment capabilities. Equine-assisted psychotherapy helps clients reduce anxiety and externalize their focus. The act of caring for an animal—or even being in proximity to an animal—can help foster feelings of trust and security by creating an emotional bond.
Clients can explore deep-seated emotions in a safe, structured environment through our therapist-guided treatment. The service animals enable clients to process complex feelings without requiring them to articulate their struggles before they are ready.
Animal-assisted psychotherapy sessions are guided by trained master’s level clinicians who specialize in treating addiction disorders.
Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy
Studies have shown that clients experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health challenges benefit from engaging with horses, ultimately enhancing their self-awareness and becoming more comfortable within a group setting.
Animal-Assisted Therapy in Depression Treatment
Animal-assisted therapy benefits include the following:
- Improved communication
The presence of animals can provide an emotional outlet. Clients who are uncomfortable voicing their feelings often use the company of animals to communicate their thoughts indirectly. - Improved socialization
Being in proximity to an animal can help people with attachment and trauma disorders engage with others more easily. - Stress reduction
Being in the presence of animals can help reduce the production of the stress hormone cortisol while releasing dopamine, the neurochemical that causes feelings of well-being.
The Raleigh House’s Colorado animal-assisted therapy programs are led by specially trained clinical staff with in-depth expertise in addiction disorders.
Where Do I Find Animal-Assisted Therapy Near Me?
Animal-assisted therapy programs in Colorado at The Raleigh House have helped hundreds of people navigate challenging co-occurring mental health disorders in a healthy, stress-free environment. We offer animal-assisted therapy in Colorado from an idyllic Denver ranch with tranquil scenery and caring clinical staff.
Our animal-assisted therapy services are designed to promote emotional and physical well-being. When you participate in our Colorado animal-assisted therapy, you will experience the joy, freedom, and healing power of animal-human interaction.
The Raleigh House Animal-Assisted Therapy
At The Raleigh House, we view animal-assisted therapy in Denver as a highly beneficial intervention for people struggling with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health challenges. Our animal-assisted therapy programs in Colorado encourage physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Our comprehensive approach to addiction recovery allows clients of all backgrounds to discover the most effective paths to sobriety. When you’re ready, we’re here to help.
If you struggle with addiction, don’t wait. Contact us today.