What is Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP)?
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is a unique therapeutic approach that incorporates horses into the therapy process. It's a collaborative experience between a therapist, a horse, and the client, designed to promote emotional growth and healing through interaction with horses.
It involves human-horse interactions, and these interactions often mirror internal emotional states and relational patterns. As herd animals, horses are powerful communicators using energy and non-verbal cues. This can take the emphasis off the spoken word, as traditional talking therapies tend to do, and onto emotional and somatic based experiences. Sessions happen outside in nature, providing a sensory rich experience.
Horses are wonderful in the field of psychotherapy as they do not judge. They take you as you are. This helps to create relational safety and freedom to discover and experience a truly authentic self. In EFP, horses are equal partners in terms of facilitating sessions.
Sessions take place on the ground and do not involve riding the horses.
A range of experiences can be explored including the following:
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Anxiety
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Low mood
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Trauma
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Self-esteem
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Identity
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Neurodivergence
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Life transitions
I am currently taking referrals for clients aged 13 years old and older.
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy is practiced by someone with a mental health qualification, and is a form of psychotherapy. EFP uses equine-facilitated activities to explore the way a client sees and relates to themselves and others, their patterns of behaviour and survival as well as their gifts and strengths, and may include the exploration of past experiences and traumas. EFP is a form of psychotherapy and relies upon the therapeutic knowledge and experience gained through a mental health qualification.
Equine Facilitated Learning can be practiced by people from many spheres of life including teachers, coaches and professionals from the equine industry. EFL uses equine-facilitated activities as a tool for self development and education, with a focus on the present moment. Skills include non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, relationship skills, confidence and resilience.
Meet the Team
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Sarah Skelton
I am an HCPC registered clinical psychologist with a lifelong love of horses. Having worked in the NHS through many different services I was always mindful of the challenges faced by some clients within the traditional room based therapy setting. I have been inspired by how beneficial it can be to incorporate movement, nature and animals into sessions, and how taking the emphasis off face-to-face interactions can feel less overwhelming for some.
I trained with LEAP (https://leapequine.com/) in 2023/24 and achieved the Crossfields Institute Level 5 Diploma in Equine Facilitated
Psychotherapy: The LEAP Method. This course was truly transformational; once I realised the healing power of horses there was no going back! This training course was immersive and experiential, and I got to experience several of the exercises first hand with the wonderful horses on the course.
I also have experience of working with clients who are autistic and/or ADHD and always aim to work in a neuroaffirmative way. I am also LGBTQ+ affirmative.
My practice is based on trauma-informed approaches.
Herd member
Seamus
Seamus is an 11 year old Shetland Pony. He is small in stature at 8.2 hh, but large in character. He is brown and white (skewbald). Seamus enjoyed an illustrious career in showing and carriage driving with his previous owner.
Similar to Quality, he enjoys the company of people and, as is also typical with Shetland ponies, he has a cheeky side and a sense of humour. One of Seamus's strengths is helping people tap into their sense of fun.
Herd member
Quality
Quality is a 10 year Irish Sports Horse. She has been owned by me for 5 years. She is 15.2 hh and a beautiful bright bay colour. Quality enjoys ridden work and is talented at show jumping.
Quality also enjoys the company of people and has a wonderful temperament for therapeutic work. She is also sensitive in nature and is good at letting people know when something isn't quite right or when she doesn't want to do a certain activity. She is great at helping people to develop patience and trust.
Session Structure
Our sessions are tailored to help you achieve your pre-established goals. We work collaboratively to identify what you want to accomplish and create a plan together.
The initial session will serve as an assessment to explore the presenting issues, as well as to establish goals and create a therapeutic plan.
The level of structure in our sessions is client-led. Whether you prefer a more guided approach or a more open-ended exploration, we adapt to your needs and preferences.
Each session typically lasts 90 minutes. However, shorter session times of 60 minutes can also be offered.
Sessions typically take place outdoors. An indoor therapy space is also available should weather conditions become very poor.
Want to learn more?
Book a free 15 minute consultation
Policies and Procedures
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Health and safety
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GDPR
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Lone working
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Risk assessment
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First aid
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Safeguarding adults
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Safeguarding equines
A copy of each policy and/or procedure can be emailed upon request
GDPR and Confidentiality Notice
At Hoofsteps to Healing, we prioritize your privacy and confidentiality in line with GDPR standards. We only collect essential personal information, such as your name and health details, to enhance our Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy services. Our strong security measures safeguard your data, and all session information remains confidential, as our therapists follow a strict ethical code. By using our services, you consent to our data practices, and we are committed to providing a safe therapeutic environment.