Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) can simply be seen as a treatment modality for those facing a mental health challenge or diagnosis. While it is not always the case, clients are often referred to us for EAP by a mental health provider who feels they are a good candidate to benefit from this service.

A common first EAP session involves simply getting familiar with Silver Maple, our team, the facility and possibly an equine(s). From there, our certified mental health professional plus our equine specialist work with each client on a personalized basis, creating path forward together that is natural and organic. We have a toolbox of many different exercises and approaches available that we offer, and for which we provide guidance and support, but we are also committed to assisting clients in a way that allows their treatment to be largely self-determined.

To establish a relationship with an equine requires work, sensitivity and often growth, which all dovetail well with a therapeutic relationship and process. There is a lot of work clients can do in an EAP session while simply being in the same space as an equine – breathing, relaxation, “mirroring” the equine, establishing communication and connection – and many clients have made strides toward their goals from this place of increased mindfulness and self-control.

We also have many items and props that can also be utilized when it is safe and appropriate. These are sometimes used to create obstacle courses or run through exercises that are either a natural outgrowth of the client’s interests and path or drawn from a reservoir of exercises that other equine professionals have used effectively. Please note we do not use food or anything that could be construed or operated as a weapon. We heavily restrict our use of halters and lead ropes, only to be used in times that are found fit. We tend to avoid timed exercises or games, as well as sessions in which clients are competing with each other. It is also the case that no planned activity is necessary for someone to gain value from an EAP session. Progress can be made simply by allowing the client to pursue their journey with the assistance of the equine, the arena, team support and available tools.

Horses are highly attuned with nature and spirit, and simply being in their presence can provide opportunities to learn and grow. Our EAL programs are open to any interested individuals and small groups. EAL is well-suited to business clients looking for opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow together and is typically a series of a few sessions that are designed to be impactful, experiential and goal-oriented.

The EAGALA model differentiates EAL from Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) by the substitution of “learning goals” as opposed to “treatment goals;” as such EAL is not based in any “medical model” of treatment. By differentiation, EAP is typically considered more of a “treatment” opportunity rather than a learning experience.

At Silver Maple Equine Therapy, we recognize that EAL is a significantly different modality than EAP, and we are committed to using current research and tools to provide the best possible experience for you. Please contact us to learn more about how EAL sessions can be tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Safety

Silver Maple Equine Therapy takes its commitment to the safety of its clients extremely seriously. The structure of each session and our clinical and operational decisions are informed first and foremost in consideration of the safety – physical and emotional – of our clients, our team and the horses. Obviously, there are risks to being in the same arena as a horse, even one that has a history of working well with humans: toes can be stepped on or people can be knocked over. We draw on our experience to make each session as safe as possible. Clients are also encouraged, by virtue of being in an arena with an unfamiliar, large animal, to consider what they need to do to stay safe.

Please note: All interactions take place “on the ground,” which means there is no riding. If you discover during your sessions with Silver Maple that you are interested in pursuing Hippotherapy, adaptive riding, therapeutic riding or another approach that we do not offer, we are happy to refer you to another facility.

Payment Methods

We accept cash, check, and major credit cards. Our standard fee for a one-hour session is $155. An initial 90-minute appointment to go over the EAGALA model, make sure it is a good fit for you, complete a diagnostic interview (as needed), and other forms is $225.

Silver Maple Equine Therapy has applied to be a service provider for Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) in Dane County. For more information about the CCS program, please visit their website here. We have also applied to be Medicare and Medicaid providers, and are considering working with select private insurers.