PSYNERGY Certifies New EAGALA Teams

The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is dedicated to improving the mental health of individuals, families and groups by setting the standard of excellence in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning, also known as "horse therapy" or "equine therapy." 

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EPA) incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between a mental health professional and a horse professional working with clients and horses to address treatment goals.

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) incorporates horses experientially for growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between a mental health professional, horse professional and other specialized professionals working with the clients and horses to address learning goals.  Incorporating horses for emotional growth and learning is an experiential modality.  

Both are incorporated in the EAGALA model and involve setting up activities with horses that will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed.

What differentiates the terms (EPA/EAL) is the populations being served; the goals and objectives of the services which have been agreed to in the contract/informed consent and the focus of facilitation based on the agreed upon goals. Incorporating horse for growth and learning is an experiential modality. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses and then processing or discussing thoughts, beliefs, behaviors and patterns. EAGALA has over 3,500 members in over 35 countries.