Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy and Wellness Services

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy and wellness is an experiential, relational, and embodied approach to healing and personal growth. At True Nature we work from a fundamental belief that healing, insight, personal growth and development can be brought about through interacting and partnering with horses in nature. Horses have a way of supporting us in connecting to our truth. They can assist us in exploring how we show up in the world and assist us in fostering greater awareness and connection. Horses are teachers in non-verbal communication and non-predatory leadership.

As the largest prey animal to survive over the years, horses evoke a sense of exhilaration, passion, and awe in many. With all four feet connected to Earth, they are experts at connecting and sensing in their environments. They are highly attuned to human emotions and can assist us in increased awareness of mind, body, soul connection. Horses are connected to the here an now and can teach us how to be fully present and attuned. Sessions can be tailored to your specific needs and may include yoga, meditation, qigong, and nature-based mindfulness practices.

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy at True Nature Integrative Health

At True Nature Integrative Health, our Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is a relationally focused approach to healing that invites individuals into a shared experience with horses. Rather than viewing the horse as a mirror, we see the horse as a sentient, relationally attuned being with its own emotional and physical presence. This therapy is rooted in the belief that healing occurs through connection and presence, through being with and not doing to the horse. This can also be a reflection into how we share space with self, other and the environment.

In our sessions, clients engage with the horses in a way that honors their autonomy and natural rhythms. The process is about being with the horse—creating a space of mutual respect and attunement—rather than imposing any specific tasks or goals. The horses respond authentically to the energy, emotions, and presence of the participant, offering a dynamic and reciprocal experience that fosters deep emotional and somatic awareness.

This form of therapy encourages individuals to cultivate mindfulness, presence, and emotional attunement, both to the horses and themselves. As participants share space with the horses, they are invited to notice their own bodily sensations, emotional states, and relational patterns, all while maintaining a sense of safety and respect for both themselves and the animals. The horses’ responses, shaped by their relational awareness, guide clients in exploring their internal landscape and processing emotional and somatic experiences.

We also emphasize cultural attunement in this work, ensuring that each participant’s background and unique healing needs are respected and honored throughout the process. This approach offers a holistic and embodied way to heal trauma, stress, and emotional wounds, facilitating growth and self-discovery through compassionate and responsive interaction with the horses.

Through this therapy, clients are invited to reconnect with their bodies, emotions, and sense of belonging in a way that is both empowering and restorative, guided by the horses' natural ability to respond to and connect with humans.

This approach challenges the traditional view of horses as tools or objects, instead fostering a relationship built on mutual respect, attunement, and empowerment. We work together to explore somatic, emotional, and relational healing, emphasizing the importance of choice and non-coercive interactions with the horses. The horses become partners in the healing journey, helping us explore boundaries, trust, and embodied presence.

Whether through Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy or Wellness, we create a space where both humans and horses can express their authentic needs and experiences, challenging traditional power dynamics and fostering deep healing for all involved.

Some of the benefits of partnering with horses:

  • increased awareness and insight

  • Explore the felt sense

  • Post traumatic stress relief

  • assist in nervous system regulation to support trauma resolution and adrenal fatigue

  • decrease anxiety and heightened stress responses

  • gained leadership and interpersonal skills

  • increased connection to self, other, and environment

  • restored balance and emotional well being

  • enhanced communication skills

  • working with the herd can help illuminate patterns that are keeping you stuck

  • support your healing journey and heal past wounds

  • increase feelings of joy and freedom in your life

  • Increase Mindfulness and Clarity

  • and more…

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy can be a great option if you are looking for something different and experiential. We can create a plan for you as a stand alone therapy, a supplement to your traditional talk therapy, or a wellness and self care package toward self discovery and personal growth.

* We accept BCBS PPO and Choice, Aetna PPO, Cigna and United Healthcare Insurance for therapy in both Michigan and Illinois

Individual sessions (60 minutes) $180

Packages 6 session pack $960 12 session pack $1800

*sessions to be used within the same calendar year

** payment can be made in 2-3 installments

What’s the Difference Between Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Equine-Facilitated Wellness or Personal Growth?

Both Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) and Equine-Facilitated Wellness or Personal Growth (EFW/EFPG) involve working with horses to support healing, self-discovery, and transformation. However, the key difference lies in scope, focus, and facilitation.

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP)

  • Therapy-Based: EFP is a clinical mental health service led by a licensed mental health professional. It integrates psychotherapy techniques with equine interactions to address emotional, psychological, and relational challenges.

  • Trauma-treatment & Clinical Goals: This approach is used for individuals dealing with anxiety, PTSD, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or other mental health concerns. Sessions may include somatic awareness, emotional regulation, attachment work, and nervous system healing with the support of horses.

  • Depth-Oriented: Because it is a psychotherapy modality, EFP can involve exploring past trauma, deep emotional processing, and working through clinical diagnoses in a therapeutic setting.

Equine-Facilitated Wellness or Personal Growth (EFW/EFPG)

  • Personal Development & Well-Being: This is for individuals seeking self-exploration, stress reduction, resilience-building, and connection—without engaging in psychotherapy. Still trauma informed but not trauma focused.

  • Somatic & Experiential Learning: Sessions may focus on mindfulness, nervous system awareness, leadership, embodiment, and self-discovery through interactions with horses.

  • No Clinical Diagnosis Required: This is for people looking to grow, heal, or gain insight outside of a mental health treatment framework. It is often used in retreats, workshops, coaching, or personal exploration settings.

    Reach out to discuss which is the best fit for you!