WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THERAPEUTIC RIDING OR HORSEMANSHIP AND EQUINE FACILITATED PSYCHOTHERAPY?
In Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, the person in charge of the riding or groundwork session must be a licensed or credentialed mental health professional who is also certified by EFMHA to deliver the services in partnership with the horse. These lessons can be either mounted or unmounted, depending on the treatment goals for the client. Riding skills may or may not be taught, with the focus being on therapy rather than skill development. Typically, these sessions are one hour in length, mirroring the therapy session in an office setting. The therapist often uses volunteers or a riding instructor to assist with the session but the therapist is the one in charge, setting the goals for the session and taking the lead with the client or group. This work qualifies for third party reimbursement as a therapy session with most health insurance companies which offer benefits for counseling.
