Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in Tucson, AZ
At Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry, we offer unique approaches to healing that go beyond traditional talk therapy. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is one of those approaches—a powerful, non-verbal way to explore emotions, improve self-awareness, and develop new coping strategies through guided interactions with horses.
In a peaceful, outdoor setting, you’ll work alongside a trained therapist and horse professional to reflect, reconnect, and gently process the emotional challenges you’re facing—all without the pressure of having to “say the right thing.”
What Is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a therapeutic experience that involves working with horses to support emotional growth and healing. It’s not about riding or horsemanship—it’s about connection, presence, and learning to recognize your own emotional responses in real time.
Horses are incredibly intuitive animals. They naturally mirror human emotions, offering honest, immediate feedback in a way that’s nonjudgmental and deeply grounding. Through guided activities with horses, you can begin to:
- Recognize emotional patterns
- Practice mindfulness and body awareness
- Improve communication and boundaries
- Process trauma or past experiences in a safe, calm environment
This approach uses the relationship between human and horse as a reflective tool, offering insight that often feels more accessible than traditional therapy.
Who Can Benefit from Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy can be especially powerful for individuals who:
- Feel emotionally disconnected or numb
- Struggle to express their thoughts or feelings with words
- Have experienced trauma or significant life changes
- Live with anxiety, depression, or chronic stress
- Want a non-traditional, experiential path to healing
- Benefit from sensory grounding and calm environments
Whether you're facing a specific issue or just looking for a new way to reconnect with yourself, equine therapy offers a deeply compassionate space for reflection and growth.
What to Expect in an Equine Therapy Session
Sessions are held outdoors in a serene, private setting. You’ll work with both a licensed therapist and an equine professional. Activities might include:
- Grooming, leading, or observing horses
- Reflective or mindfulness-based exercises
- Processing emotional reactions and insights in real time
There is no horseback riding involved—all work is done on the ground and at your comfort level. Each session is tailored to your needs and goals.
In-Person Equine Therapy in Tucson
Due to the nature of the therapy, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is only available in person at our Tucson location. Our space is quiet, calm, and intentionally designed to promote a healing connection with nature and animals.
Holly Randle, LAC
Not at all. No prior experience with horses is required. All activities are done on the ground with full guidance from your therapist and equine professional. We focus on emotional connection—not riding or horsemanship.
No, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy does not involve riding. All work takes place on the ground and may include grooming, leading, observing, or interacting with horses in calm, structured ways designed to support emotional insight and healing.
Equine therapy can support individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, emotional disconnect, stress, and life transitions. It's especially helpful for those who feel stuck in talk therapy or have difficulty expressing themselves with words.
Yes. Safety is a top priority. Sessions are facilitated by a licensed therapist and an experienced equine professional. Activities are designed to ensure emotional and physical safety for both you and the horses.
Absolutely. Many clients use Equine Assisted Psychotherapy alongside other forms of therapy, medication management, or coaching. We’ll help you build a care plan that’s personalized and well-rounded.
Due to the nature of the work, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is only available in person at our Tucson location. However, we offer many other virtual therapy options for clients across Arizona.