How animal-assisted therapy transforms trauma care 

Many years ago, when I was a graduate student, my Clinical Supervisor mentioned to me that I should look into equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP). She knew that I had horses of my own and thought this might be an interesting modality for me to pursue.  I had never heard of equine assisted psychotherapy before, but I looked into it, it sounded intriguing, and so, I set out for Phoenix, Ariz. for an intensive course on becoming certified as a mental health professional for EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association).   

My first day of training included about 50 other mental health and equine professionals from across the country.  The setting was a huge outdoor arena with folding chairs set up for us, and, a herd of five horses, free to wander amongst us, anywhere they chose to do so.  I noticed that the people who were sitting in those folding chairs were becoming increasingly uncomfortable as some of those horses walked right up to them and started chewing on baseball caps and grabbing purses hanging off the backs of chairs, looking for treats. Basically, they were just wanting to hang out with the crowd of strangers who had invaded their environment. The problem? Their hooves were right at eye level!   

Finally, a grizzled cowboy spoke up and said to the trainer, “This is UNSAFE! One of these horses is going to end up kicking somebody in the face!”  At this, many others in the crowd agreed that they felt this way too.  The trainer calmly answered in his Kentucky drawl, “You are free to do whatever you need to do to make yourself safe.”  This was a lightbulb moment for me.  Someone was giving us permission to set a boundary and take care of ourselves.  What a powerful statement and how powerful it would be for clients to be given permission to take care of themselves, and to be told that it’s okay to do so!  

Across clinics, schools, and community programs nationwide, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is gaining recognition as a powerful, evidence-based approach to healing trauma. By integrating trained animals – most commonly dogs and horses – into therapeutic settings, practitioners are finding new ways to help individuals feel safe, regulated, and connected as they work through painful experiences and tap back into their own personal power. 

Animal-assisted therapy is more than simply spending time with animals. It is a structured, goal-oriented intervention delivered by trained professionals and guided by principles of trauma-informed care. This approach emphasizes safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment – values that align naturally with the presence of animals.  

Science has shown that horses and dogs are particularly energy sensitive and will regulate their heartbeats to mirror the human who is within 20 feet of them. This is called heart coherence.  So, if we are upset or dysregulated, our animal companion will know and will show us through their own behaviors how we are presenting.  

 

Dogs: Comfort, connection, and emotional regulation 

 

Therapy dogs are often the most familiar face of animal-assisted therapy. The presence of a well-trained dog can help to lower anxiety and reduce physiological stress responses. Research shows that interacting with dogs can decrease cortisol levels and increase oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and calm. 

For individuals with trauma histories, dogs offer nonjudgmental companionship and predictable responses. A client who struggles to make eye contact or trust adults may find it easier to connect with a dog first. This connection can serve as a bridge to the therapeutic relationship, helping clients feel grounded and emotionally regulated during difficult conversations. Their presence alone can create a sense of safety that many trauma survivors have rarely experienced. 

 

Horses: Insight through movement and relationship 

 

Equine-assisted therapy, which involves working with horses on the ground or through guided activities, offers a different but equally powerful pathway to healing. Horses are highly sensitive to human emotions, body language, and nervous system states. Because of this, they often mirror what a person is feeling, providing immediate, honest feedback. 

In trauma-informed equine therapy, clients learn to observe their own reactions and practice emotional regulation.  The interaction with a large, responsive animal can build confidence and the ability to trust, not only in the animal but in one’s response to the animal.  For many, successfully guiding or connecting with a horse fosters a sense of empowerment and mastery – key components in recovering from trauma. 

Horses help clients become aware of how they show up in the world. That awareness can translate into healthier boundaries, improved self-esteem, and stronger relationships. 

 

Why animal-assisted therapy works 

 

Animal-assisted therapy is effective because it engages both the body and the mind. Trauma is often stored in the nervous system, not just in memory. Animals help regulate that nervous system through rhythm, touch, movement, and connection. This bottom-up approach complements traditional talk therapy, particularly for individuals who find it difficult to verbalize their experiences. 

Trauma-informed AAT also prioritizes client choice and control. Participants are never forced to interact with an animal and are encouraged to set their own pace. This restores a sense of agency that trauma can take away. 

In a world where trauma can leave people feeling disconnected and unsafe, animal-assisted therapy reminds us of a simple but profound truth: healing often begins in a relationship, and sometimes, that relationship has four legs. 

Here’s to your good health! 

 

It’s okay not to feel okay 

 

If you or someone you know has been struggling with their emotions, behaviors, or substance use please reach out to us. We can help you find appropriate tools and services that could help you overcome obstacles in your life. We are here for you. Please contact the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division at 970-563-5700 for more information or to set up an appointment to see a counselor or therapist. 

Reminder: If you need to talk to someone, please reach out. 

And for those interested in opioid use education, harm reduction, and support, please contact us for quick Naloxone (Narcan) training and fentanyl test strips. We can schedule individual, family, or friends training times at our Southern Ute Behavioral Health Building, or we can come to you, and the training is around 30 minutes. Please call us at 970-563-5700 to set up a training appointment.