​Equine-Assisted Learning & Psychotherapy

Healing Through Horses: Equine-Assisted Learning & Psychotherapy in Stone Mountain
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​What Is Equine-Assisted Learning & Psychotherapy? 
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) and Psychotherapy (EAP) are dynamic, experiential therapies that use horses—on the ground—for guided therapeutic activities. Participants engage in grooming, leading, and interactive games with one or two horses over hour-long sessions. These activities offer real-time feedback from the horses, helping individuals develop emotional awareness, mental flexibility, and behavioral strategies in a non-judgmental, grounded environment

Who Benefits?

  • Adults & Teens (14–18) seeking psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, or grief.
  • Parents, through Parent Management Training.
  • Tweens & Teens, for emotional regulation “rebalancing” sessions, psychotherapy. 
  • Veterans, individuals with burnout or trauma—equine interventions have shown reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvements in emotional stability 


Why It Works: The Research​

  • Stress, Calm & Social Growth: TUFTS University students in EAL programs report better stress management, team communication, self-awareness, and focus CT Insider+6Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine+6Leadline Wellness+6.
  • Young People 8–18: A study showed that five sessions of horsemanship groundwork reduced anxiety and heightened calmness, empathy, assertiveness, planning, communication, and social engagement (p < 0.001) emeraldmtherapeuticridingcenter.org+4ResearchGate+4CT Insider+4.
  • Well‑Being in Medical Trainees: EAL reduced depression symptoms among medical students and residents Horse Powered Reading+15PMC+15Leadline Wellness+15.
  • Veterans & PTSD: Robust evidence supports EAL in reducing PTSD, depression, and emotional dysregulation in veterans .
  • EAL Meta‑Analysis: Studies show positive outcomes in emotional regulation, motor skills, communication, and social connectedness.

Session Structure & Modalities

  • Initial Consultation: Discuss goals, history, and concerns.
  • 1‑Hour Ground‑Based Sessions: Work with 1–2 horses—no riding. Activities include:
    • Leading through obstacle courses/games
    • Grooming & non-verbal feedback exercises
    • Trust-building and group interaction tasks
  • Therapeutic Integration: Licensed therapist leads processing: “What did the horse’s reaction reveal about your mood or mindset?”
  • Progressive Learning: Over time, sessions focus on self-regulation, emotional insight, communication skills, and coping strategies.

Rebalancing Sessions

Focused on emotional and bodily regulation, these sessions help adults, teens, and parents develop:
  • Mind–body awareness through horse interactions
  • Strategies for reducing arousal and stress
  • Promoting relaxation, self-regulation, and emotional resilience

Parent Management Training

Parents learn behavioral strategies and emotion coaching—including:
  • Modeling calm leadership
  • Non-violent communication
  • Observing horse behavior as a mirror to parental responses

​Horse Powered Reading®

Horse Powered Reading® helps tweens and teens (ages 10 and up) who struggle with reading, confidence, or focus. This method blends reading strategies with horse activities. Children use props and work with horses to “see” reading obstacles and work through them—emotionally and academically.
It’s hands-on, movement-based, and great for kids who don’t do well sitting still or being pushed too hard. It builds:
  • Confidence
  • Focus
  • Reading skills
  • Emotional awareness

Cost of Therapy 

Sessions: $175.00.
Groups: $75.00 per person
Horse Powered Reading Groups: $65.00