Addiction is a disease of disconnection. For those struggling with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions, the toll it takes on daily life and relationships can be devastating. Addiction often manifests as isolation, loneliness, and fear. It is a sense of separateness that creates a lack of safety, not only in our thoughts and emotions, but in our bodies as well. When that sense of separateness, or of being unsafe, is stored in our bodies, it becomes trauma.
Recovery is connection. When we feel connected, we experience a sense of belonging, of wholeness, and an acceptance of ourselves—just as we are. Connection is often experienced and described as loving-kindness, a deep sense of well-being, or a lightness of being. Although it is in our nature to seek connection with others—indeed, without connection we cannot thrive—oftentimes, addiction and other painful life experiences shatter our sense of connection to ourselves.
We become fragmented, separated from our true and loving nature, trapped in overwhelming emotional memories, or devoid of emotion altogether. We act out in our attempts to free ourselves from fear and uncertainty, striving to control, manipulate, or avoid (others and ourselves) to create an artificial sense of safety and security. As we travel further down this dark path, the idea of connection itself becomes frightening, vulnerable, and dangerous, leading to a downward spiral.
The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare offers comprehensive residential and intensive outpatient programs to help you or a loved one break this negative cycle and find healing and sobriety in recovery. These programs are accomplished through individualized treatment plans employing evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches, like equine-assisted therapy. Contact The Arbor today to learn more about our programs and services.
“Working with the horses is a way to return to nature, expand our hearts and minds in ways we never thought possible. It facilitates healing at a deep level, those wounds that have left us diminished and fragmented.”
– Mary Lynn Szymandera, LCDC, CEIP
Experiential and Equine-Assisted Therapy at the Arbor
Equine-assisted therapy at The Arbor is provided through Sacred Presence, an affiliate of The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare. Located on the beautiful 90-acre campus of The Arbor, Sacred Presence offers clients two opportunities to explore connection and healing within their own bodies:
The Arbor Inclusive Services
All Arbor clients receive weekly experiential group sessions designed to inform and educate clients on the neuroscience of trauma and addiction, the body’s response, and ways to bring connection, healing, and change to a dysregulated (wounded) system. Steeped in the understanding of the effect of trauma on the embodied self, these sessions explore co-regulation, regulation, and neuroception, and the body’s innate need for connection and nurturing. Arbor Inclusive Services is a holistic approach that incorporates nature therapy, mindfulness and meditation practices, relationship principles, somatosensory therapies, psycho-education, movement, and spiritual development. The Arbor Inclusive Services involves minimal interaction with horses.Immersive Equine-Assisted Therapy (Fee-Based)
Arbor clients have the opportunity to engage in intensive, one-on-one equine-assisted therapy with one of our licensed counselors and one of our amazing equine partners. Sessions typically run 90 minutes and are held twice a week for a deeply immersive, explorative, and healing experience.
Clients interested in our Immersive services are invited to talk to their Admissions Representative.
Founded in the trauma-informed therapy model of Natural Lifemanship, The Arbor’s equine-assisted therapy program offers clients an experiential opportunity to access a felt sense of connection to themselves and others. Working with horses allows participants to focus entirely on accessing and creating safe connections. The nonjudgmental nature of horses and the wide, open space provided by the barn, covered arena, and pastures create an open and accepting environment within which the client can explore and experience—free from shame, guilt, or blame.
Sacred Presence Immersive Equine-Assisted Therapy is NOT a riding program. Rather, the focus is on building healthy, connected relationships that are mutually beneficial and support the building of intimacy, vulnerability, and personal growth. To learn more about Sacred Presence Equine Therapy, please visit us at SacredPresenceTX.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Equine-Assisted Therapy
Equine-assisted therapy supports addiction recovery by helping individuals build trust, establish boundaries, and develop emotional awareness. Working with horses enables participants to reflect on their behaviors, gain insights into their relationships, and practice healthier ways of connecting with others in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.
No prior experience with horses is necessary to participate. The therapy is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with horses. All interactions are guided by experienced therapists and equine specialists who ensure a safe, supportive experience tailored to individual needs.
Horses are highly intuitive and sensitive animals, capable of reflecting human emotions and behaviors. This unique ability allows them to serve as a mirror for participants, offering immediate feedback and fostering self-awareness. Their nonjudgmental nature makes them ideal partners in the therapeutic process, helping clients feel safe and understood.
Yes, equine-assisted therapy is often used as a complementary approach alongside traditional therapy and counseling. It provides a hands-on, experiential form of healing that can enhance the effectiveness of other treatment modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and group counseling.
While equine-assisted therapy can be beneficial for many individuals, its suitability depends on each person’s comfort level, interests, and treatment goals. Therapists will work with clients to assess whether this unique approach aligns with their needs and preferences.
Contact The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare and Sacred Presence for Equine-Assisted Therapy
If you or a loved one resides in Austin, Texas, or the surrounding area and is struggling with addiction, The Arbor can help. Our comprehensive residential and outpatient treatment programs include evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches designed to treat all aspects of addiction. Additionally, we offer sober living and alumni programs to continue your support after treatment. Through our affiliate, Sacred Presence, we offer an equine-assisted therapy program (for a fee) to complement the individualized treatment plans developed specifically for each client. Addiction may create a sense of disconnection from oneself and others, but recovery is all about finding connection again. Sustained recovery and sobriety for you or a loved one are our mission and passion. Call 844.413.2690 today or reach out online to begin your journey toward recovery.