Soldiers learn to regulate emotions with horses and Equine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy

Photo By Andrew Brown | Kelly Moss, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Command Psychologist HQ TRADOC Surgeon’s Office, and a designated Dream Catchers Equine Specialist monitors Soldiers as they interact with horses during a therapy session.  

NEWPORT NEWS, VA, UNITED STATES

09.22.2023

Story by Andrew Brown 

Defense Health Agency

Assisted therapy has been gaining popularity in recent years as a complementary approach to traditional talk therapy for mental health treatment. The Fort Eustis Behavioral Health Clinic at McDonald Army Health Center and the Dream Catchers of Toano, Virginia, have partnered to offer Equine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy to Soldiers enrolled in behavioral health, Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care and Family Advocacy programming as a primary treatment or as an adjunct to current treatment.

The group is facilitated by Kelly Moss, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Command Psychologist HQ TRADOC Surgeon’s Office, and a designated Dream Catchers Equine Specialist, with the presence of equine volunteers to ensure the safety of the Soldiers and the horses.

Experiential psychotherapy is a unique approach to mental health treatment that focuses on engaging individuals in activities to help them work through their emotions and behaviors. In Equine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy, a horse is used as a "medium" to access and process emotions, build trust, develop interpersonal sensitivity, enhance problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills, build self-esteem and self-confidence, and learn to regulate emotions.

This type of therapy can be especially effective for individuals who struggle with traditional talk therapy, as it offers a more tangible, sensory-based approach to healing. The Fort Eustis Behavioral Health Clinic is offering the therapy to Soldiers willing to commit to weekly treatment for eight consecutive weeks. Approval from the Soldier's command is required, and no experience with horses is necessary to benefit from treatment. The group is limited to 10 Soldiers, with two Soldiers per horse. The closed group repeats every eight weeks, with sessions held on Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Transportation to and from Dream Catchers in Toano, Virginia, is provided, with a government-owned vehicle departing from the Fort Eustis Behavioral Health Clinic parking lot at 1:45 p.m. and returning at approximately 4:45. Soldiers are required to arrive no later than 1330 to complete the Behavioral Health Data Portal (BHDP) prior to the group. The group is held in the indoor or outdoor arena, depending on weather conditions. Appropriate civilian attire and footwear are required, with boots or closed-toed shoes/sneakers recommended.

Equine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health and substance use diagnoses.

To gain a deeper understanding of Equine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy and its benefits, we spoke with Dr. Kelly Moss, Ph.D.
1. How does Equine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy complement other forms of mental health treatment, such as medication or talk therapy?

Dr. Moss: Equine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy can be used as a primary treatment modality or supplement current treatment for Soldiers interested in working on life skills sets to include building and enhancing relationships, effective communication, awareness, mindfulness, building trust, enhancing self-esteem, boundary-setting, and managing emotions.

2. Can you speak to any challenges that Soldiers might encounter during Equine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy and how these challenges are addressed by the facilitators?

Dr. Moss: Challenges in the equine-assisted psychotherapy setting may include intense thoughts and feelings that arise for Soldiers when working with equines. It is not uncommon for life challenges to play out in the arena as equine-assisted psychotherapy is an experiential learning process where Soldiers learn to experience and allow emotions and practice skills in the moment. Challenges are addressed “real-time” by processing thoughts and feelings and altering behaviors. The beauty of equine therapy is the experiential process and the ability to adjust in our own behavior when we see our current actions are ineffective. These skills are developed and translated to everyday life.

3. What role do equine volunteers play in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Equine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy sessions?

Dr. Moss: Equine volunteers help to ensure a safe environment. They manage the horses ensure a safe space for clients and can respond if a situation arises with the equine. They also help to answer any questions the clients may have as it relates to equines and equine behavior.

4. Are there any plans to expand the Equine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy program to other military bases or populations?

Dr. Moss: In addition to Fort Eustis and Dream Catchers Equine Therapy program, Equine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy is offered to active-duty Soldiers at Fort Carson in Colorado where the program was developed and implemented in collaboration with StableStrides, an equine therapy non-profit. I’m not aware of any current plans to implement Equine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy programs across other Army installations, but if we expand this type of treatment elsewhere, I would be the first to raise my hand in support. This is my passion.

• Date Taken: 09.22.2023
• Date Posted: 10.24.2023 10:42
• Story ID: 454212
• Location: NEWPORT NEWS, VA, US