Experiential therapy is a fun, engaging way for teens to explore their emotions and develop strong skills for the future. Teens dealing with mental and behavioral health issues often express themselves in destructive ways, like problematic gaming, lashing out, or experimenting with harmful substance use. By gaining responsibility in healthy outlets like equine therapy, they can begin to understand how fulfilling and enriching their life can be.
At Family First Adolescent Services, we integrate equine therapy programming specifically tailored for teenagers. This therapeutic approach, also known as horse-assisted therapy, involves meaningful interactions between teenagers and horses. Experiential therapy is a cornerstone of our adolescent therapy program because it keeps teens engaged and excited about the healing process. We can help your teen build a better future. Call 888.904.5947 to learn how.
The Transformative Benefits of Equine Therapy for Teens
Equine therapy provides numerous transformative benefits for teens struggling with mental and behavioral health issues. This type of therapy involves working with horses in a structured environment to address various emotional, social, and behavioral challenges.
Some of the most outstanding benefits of equine therapy for teens include:
- Improved self-esteem and confidence
- Better communication and social skills
- Increased problem-solving ability
- Greater emotional regulation
- Enhanced empathy and compassion
Through experiential therapy with horses, teens can gain a greater sense of self-awareness and start to build healthier coping mechanisms. Horses are highly empathetic creatures that mirror human emotions, providing teens with immediate feedback on their behavior and body language. This feedback can help them understand how their actions impact others and learn to regulate their emotions in a healthy way.
Our Approach to Equine Therapy for Teens
As part of our experiential therapy focus, equine therapy engages teens outside of the traditional talk therapy setting. By meeting them where they’re required to be vulnerable and considerate of the horse’s needs, teens learn more about themselves and their emotions. Our trained therapists guide these sessions to help teens make connections between their actions and feelings.
We believe that equine therapy is most effective when incorporated into a comprehensive treatment program. Along with other evidence-based therapies and clinical support, equine therapy at Family First Adolescent Services allows teens to explore, learn, and grow in a safe and supportive environment.
An Average Day of Our Equine Therapy Programming
Each day of our equine therapy programming is different, providing a variety of experiences for teens to learn and grow from. Some activities may include:
- Learning how to groom and care for horses
- Engaging in trust-building exercises with the horses
- Participating in group therapy sessions that incorporate equine activities
Our goal is to create a well-rounded equine therapy program that not only focuses on building emotional intelligence but also teaches practical skills like responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Equine therapy, along with our academic program, psychiatric support, family counseling, support groups, and individual talk therapy sessions, creates a comprehensive and effective treatment plan for teens struggling with mental and behavioral health issues.
Enroll Your Teen in Equine Therapy in Florida at Family First
Your teen can build a better future at Family First Adolescent Services. Please reach out to us at 888.904.5947 or contact us online now. Our team is available around the clock to answer your questions and guide you on how our program in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, can benefit your teenager. After discharge, alumni and their families receive 12 months of follow-up support, ensuring a smooth transition back into everyday life.