Equine Therapy for Addiction Treatment

Stonegate Center, located in  Azle, Texas, is at the forefront of experiential therapy in providing equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) for all of our clients. Through years of research, EAP has been shown to provide higher levels of self-esteem, better ability to cope, and has been increasingly used in individuals that have experienced trauma. It has also been highly connected to better treatment outcomes in those with substance abuse disorders and other co-occuring mental health disorders. Here at Stonegate Center, our clinicians are trained in the EAGALA (Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association) which is client-centered, experiential, and ground-based. This means that our clients are able to interact with the animals through activities other than riding the animals, as they (the animals) provide immediate feedback to our clients. Safety is also a key, which is why in every session there is a clinical specialist as well as an equine specialist, monitoring the animals and their interactions with clients. Many individuals seeking substance abuse treatment have difficulty in relationships, building trust, and understanding who they are. In equine-assisted therapy, the horses are able to provide many of these things for our clients. We encourage you to come take part in this unique experience, learning about yourself and beginning to heal from your addictions through Equine-assisted therapy at Stonegate Center.