What are the differences between EAL and EAP?
Equine Assisted Learning, or EAL, is a form of skill-building education where participants work with a facilitator who acts as a guide, teacher, and/or coach, along with an equine partner to set and achieve goals. While EAL can provide positive wellness outcomes, it is not therapy.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, or EAP, is a form of mental health service provided by a licensed mental health professional along with support from an equine partner and often an equine specialist.
The EAL Approach
EAL is a form of outdoor experiential learning. Participants may work on learning or skill building toward a variety of goals including education such as horse care as well as life skills, personal growth such as confidence building, self esteem, empathy, and social skills, as well as interpersonal skills such as leadership, collaboration, and team building. Participants work with an equine partner to address challenges that require problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, communication, and teamwork. Most EAL activities are unmounted.
The EAP Approach
EAP is a form of experiential therapy where interactions with horses are used to support mental health, emotional, and social challenges. A licensed mental health professional guides participants through appropriate self exploration via activities with an equine partner, often supported by a qualified equine professional to assist with handling. Participants can benefit through the development of coping strategies, decreased symptoms of certain conditions such as anxiety and depression, and a nonjudgemental environment supported by the presence of an animal.
Which program is right for me?
It is important to consider your goals when determining which program is right for you. If your primary focus is learning new skills that can be applied in a variety of aspects of your life, such as improved communication and leadership skills, expanding your understanding of animal care and handling, and increased physical fitness and focus, then EAL might be the best fit for your interests. While EAL may provide benefits to your overall mental well-being, such as through mindfulness, it does not diagnose or directly treat any illness. EAL can be appropriate support and enrichment for people with conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, speech disorders, etc., and meets the requirements for most public Self-Directed Services funding.
If you are seeking specific mental health care, such as therapeutic treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, or family counseling, EAP could be supportive of progress toward your goals. EAP is typically a mental health service that supplements traditional therapy, rather than acts as standalone treatment, though this may vary. If you are already under the care of a licensed mental health professional, inquire as to whether your progress might be supported by the additional of EAP services into your treatment plan.
