Lotts'
Legacy Boarding School
Equine
Assisted Psychotherapy
at
LOTTS' LEGACY BOARDING SCHOOL
Lotts' Legacy Boarding School specializes in
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). You
are probably asking yourself, "What is EAP? Equine
Assisted Psychotherapy is an emerging field in
which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and
learning. EAP is a collaborative effort
between a horse professional and a licensed therapist. Because
of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term,
or "brief" approach.
EAP
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 EAP
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 EAP is not riding or horsemanship.
Recreational riding and horsemanship is another phase at
Lotts' Legacy separate from EAP.
In fact, 90% of EAP takes place purely
on the ground. The focus of EAP 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 EAP.
EAP
is a powerful and effective therapeutic
approach that has an incredible impact on individuals,
youth, families, and groups. EAP 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.
The
licensed therapist that works with the youth at Lotts' Legacy
is Randy Soderquist; he is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Emilee Lott-Woolsey is the horse professional in this EAP
team. Both of these individuals were trained by and are
Level I certified through the Equine Assisted Growth and
Learning Association (EAGALA). Now you might be asking the
question, "What is EAGALA?" EAGALA is an organization that
was founded in July 1999. This organization was developed
to address the need for resources, education, and professionalism
in the field of EAP. The mission of EAGALA
is to promote, educate, and provide standards of practice,
ethics, and safety in the field of EAP. All EAP professionals
must be certified and abide by EAGALA's Code of Ethics.
"Ensure
quality. Demand EAGALA certified professionals."
For
more information about EAGALA visit their web site www.eagala.org.
Look at their site and especially their resource handbook
for more information about:
Why
Horses?
What
is EAGALA?
EAGALA Code of Ethics How does EAP differ from recreational
Horsemanship and Riding?
More
Than Horse Play: Tips on How to Investigate
and Choose Effective Therapeutic Equine Programs
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