Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety

Horses as therapists?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion) and how we act (behavior) all interact together. Specifically, our thoughts determine our feelings and our behavior.

Therefore, negative and unrealistic thoughts can cause us distress and result in problems.

In cognitive behavioral methods, the therapist works towards correcting these negative thinking patterns. The intention of the therapy is to help clients understand reality and thereby decrease stress and anxiety.

Individual beliefs will be challenged in a conversation with the therapists, who will then use different methods and homework to change related behavior. 

Working through anxiety in a Horse Guided Empowerment session

In a Horse Guided Empowerment session, the client will often be challenged by the horse himself.
The clients usually project their feelings, thoughts and handling of situations onto the horses ("the horse is stubborn", "the horse has no friends", "the horse is tired").

The therapist will use this as an opportunity to confront the irrational thoughts.
Contact with truth and reality can trigger learned behavior.

Relaxation techniques can then be helpful to reduce the tension - often though, just the calming presence of the horse, the possibility to touch it, and to be in a very natural, grounding environment can lead to quick changes.

As these are often immediately reflected by the horse, the client gets an experiential learning effect - guided by the horse and induced by the client.

We believe that the most effective change occurs when people discover their own solutions.

Do you have problems with anxiety?
Try a private session with the horses

If you would like to try a different, more natural approach to deal with anxiety, we offer Horse Guided Empowerment in different countries worldwide.
Contact me to book your session in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Khor Fakkan, or also other parts of the Emirates. 

I look forward to meeting you and guiding you through the session safely and effectively.