Flying High Farm Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy Program
Flying High Farm, Inc., a Member of North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), currently includes equestrian activities as its main form of therapeutic intervention. All activities are facilitated or supervised by Christine Randle, LICSW, and NARHA Certified Registered Therapeutic Instructor and Massachusetts Licensed Riding Instructor; those that Christine supervises are conducted by Sarah Charest, LCSW and NARHA Certified Registered Therapeutic Instructor and Massachusetts Licensed Riding Instructor. Click here for Christine's history with horses.
Unlike many other therapeutic riding programs, Flying High Farm specializes in mental health issues, rather than physical disabilities. As an LICSW, Christine is qualified to conduct psychotherapy with individuals while s/he is engaged in equine activities, such as grooming, riding, etc.
FAQs
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| Christine, Sarah and Duncan work with a very young rider. (August 2006) |
What is Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy?
Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is therapeutic riding and associated equine activities facilitated by a licensed/credentialed mental health professional working in conjunction with and/or as a certified riding instructor within a clearly defined therapeutic space and setting, with the intent to promote healing and growth. Click here for more information.
Clinical evidence
suggests that EFP may help:
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DepressionAs with traditional forms of treatment, clinical assessments are conducted and treatment plans developed and followed to ensure the rider is working toward his/her therapeutic goals.
What activities take place in Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy?
EFP sessions are incorporated into one's clinical treatment sessions. Activities can include grooming, feeding, riding, etc. EFP is just one of the clinical interventions utilized by Christine.
Flying High Farm does not have an indoor arena so riding is subject to agreeable weather conditions. In the colder months, equine activities will focus on safety, grooming and tacking or an alternative form of treatment, such as animal-assisted psychotherapy, will be utilized.
It is important to note that these EFP sessions (whether grooming, riding, etc.) are not designed to take the place of one's recreational riding lessons.
What equipment is needed?
Flying High Farm supplies all of the horse's equipment. Helmets are available to riders, although to ensure cleanliness and optimal fit, individuals are encouraged to purchase their own helmets. In addition, riders must wear boots with a heel (hiking boots, riding boots, paddock boots, etc.) and long pants.
Who are Flying High Farm's equine co-therapists?
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Pixie came to Flying High Farm on September 21, 2006. She is a 13.1 hand pinto mare. |
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Penny joined Flying High Farm on May 22, 2005. Penny is a 15.3 hand, 8 year old chestnut Trakehner mare. Although children do not ride Penny, she is a great ambassador for children who have some anxieties about horses. |
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Duncan joined Flying High Farm on Friday, February 20, 2004. Duncan is a 14.1 hand, 16 year old chestnut Welsh/Paint pony.
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Sea Spray was Flying High Farm's first therapeutic partner. Unfortunately he died unexpectedly on April 3, 2005.
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How long are sessions?
Individual EFP sessions average 45 minutes in length as do other clinical sessions; group sessions are 55 minutes.
How much does it cost?
Payment for sessions can be made through accepted forms of insurance, out-of-network payment or self-pay. Click here for more payment and insurance information.
How can I get more information?
To register or for more information, contact Christine Randle at 978-582-7103 or Christine@flyinghighfarm.com.
What is Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy?
Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning. EFP is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term, or "brief" approach.
EFP is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors and patterns. This approach has been compared to the ropes courses used by therapists, treatment facilities and human development courses around the world. But EFP has the added advantage of utilizing horses, dynamic and powerful living beings.
Not all programs or individuals who use horses practice Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. For one, licensed clinical professionals need to be involved for it to be considered "psychotherapy." The focus of EFP is not riding or horsemanship. In fact, 90% of EFP takes place purely on the ground. The focus of EFP involves setting up activities involving the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EFP.
EFP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families and groups. EFP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.
Why Horses?
Those who are familiar with horses recognize and understand the power of horses to influence people in incredibly powerful ways. Developing relationships, training, horsemanship instruction and caring for the horses naturally affects the people involved in a positive manner.
The benefits of work ethic, responsibility, assertiveness, communication and healthy relationships has long been recognized. Horses naturally provide these benefits. The use of horses is growing and gaining popularity with the rise of new approaches in working with the horses, including the field of EFP.
We are often asked, "Why horses? Why not other animals?"
Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of the horse are naturally intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life. Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals. They have defined roles within their herds. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes and moods. An approach that seems to work with one horse, does not necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant. They like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning. Using metaphors, in discussion or activity, is an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups.
Horses require work, whether in caring for them or working with them. In an era when immediate gratification and the "easy way" are the norm, horses require people to be engaged in physical and mental work to be successful, a valuable characteristic in all aspects of life.
Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Many people will complain, "The horse is stubborn. The horse doesn't like me," etc. But the lesson to be learned is that if they change themselves, the horses respond differently. Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers.
Source: from www.eagala.org (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association)
For more information on EFP, visit www.eagala.org or www.narha.org and click on EFMHA (bottom left of page).
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