An Overview of OK Corral Approaches Used at Ingrained Recovery
“Equine Assisted Psychotherapy integrates natural horse behavior to support emotional health”. But what is OK Corral equine assisted therapy exactly? With so many equine-assisted philosophies developed out there, it can be difficult to know.
Let Ingrained Recovery (through the OK Corral series) help you understand. It is an approach that uses the natural herd behavior of horses to improve emotional health in patients. It combines with therapeutic practices to improve human mental health and promote emotional skills.
It is also a great way to enhance team-building potential – whether on an individual, family, or even corporate level. It was founded by Greg Kersten and the OK Corral series relies on his equine-assisted philosophies developed since the 1940s and 1990s.
If you need advanced equine-assisted learning resources, get in touch with our facility in Georgia. We focus on mental and emotional health issues, so call us for a confidential consultation today.
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What is Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) in OK Corral?
It is a special type of psychotherapy that uses nonverbal communication. The equine-assisted work honors and integrates natural horse and herd behavior. It addresses the human mental and emotional health challenges, like:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Phobias
- Addiction
- Behavioral issues
- Grief and loss
We found that in recent years, authentic equine-assisted work by Greg Kersten is also in use to help military veterans. Our patriots and countrymen who struggle with behavioral, anxiety, and stress issues have found the natural horse and herd behavior-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy effective in the last few years, according to research.
How Does Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Work?
It works with a hands-on approach and direct interaction between the clients and therapists. The goal is to address emotional and psychological challenges by building emotional awareness. The therapy, in the OK Corral series, begins with observing horses and how they behave in a particular situation, including their general behavior.
The clients learn to interpret feedback from horses and use it to build their own basis of thinking. Interestingly, it allows them to enhance their own emotional judgment and processing. As a result, the therapy encourages them to self-regulate against stress, anxiety, and similar triggers.
What Are the Main Components of the EAT Model?
What happens in a typical equine-assisted psychotherapy session primarily depends on two things: the expertise of the therapist or team of professionals and the therapeutic needs of the client.
At Ingrained Recovery, equine-assisted work honors Greg Kersten and has involved a multi-modal approach. Here’s what you should know.
Integrates Natural Horse Behavior
The OK Corral series educates our clients about the importance of the behavior and instincts of herd animals – primarily, horses. For instance, our professionals conduct training, therapy, and even an individual seminar for families where they observe the natural state and behavior of horses. This is where you learn the authentic equine-assisted framework as a model for human mental development.
Teaches You About Herd Dynamics (and Group Exercises)
Ingrained Recovery professionals also build awareness about mounted exercises. The main focus is to give our clients an opportunity – through the horses’ behavior as a model – to ground themselves. We encourage participation in group activities to promote:
- Teamwork
- Confidence
- Personal growth
- Boundaries
Emotional Processing Through Interaction
When our clients integrate with the horses, they get the opportunity to observe and interpret their behavior as a model for building emotional strength. The founder of this therapy indicated that horses are highly intuitive animals and they provide immediate – and honest – feedback. Therefore, this type of feedback is what promotes healthy mental responses and shapes the healing process.
Crisis Management with Self-Regulation
Furthermore, another fundamental process in equine-assisted therapy is “crisis management”. The primary purpose of this “horses therapy” is to inform clients through phases of emotional crises. They can participate in the OK Corral series and learn to handle pressure and bad – or “negative” – thoughts.
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Are There Benefits of EAT for Emotional Health?
We found a scientific study, that indicates how EAT promises help for individuals struggling with PTSD and stress issues. It is also effective for individuals with cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. How? Well, there are certain benefits of the therapy that make it possible.
- Better Emotional Intelligence
When the therapy honors and integrates natural horse behavior in the work, it teaches individuals about emotions. They gradually experience higher emotional awareness and as a result, it improves their ability to identify, process, and show their feelings.
- Confidence Improvements
Using equine-assisted exercises is also effective in improving confidence. Many individuals struggle with low self-confidence, which is primarily because of mental and emotional health issues. When they complete tasks, they build confidence. In turn, this improves their self-perception.
- Positive Mental Health Outcomes
You will come across several scientific studies that indicate how EAT can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is suitable for nearly all ages and a field that will continue to evolve with more studies.
Who Should Get Equine Assisted Therapy?
The list of individuals who can benefit from OK Corral equine-assisted therapy can be quite long. This is mainly because holistic therapy is a growing field that addresses different health issues – focusing on mental and emotional ones.
- Addiction – People with drug and alcohol abuse disorders can benefit from it.
- Anxiety and depression – Someone with stress and depressive disorders can find exercises effective in managing negative thoughts.
- Trauma (PTSD) – Individuals who struggle with traumatic experiences find it extremely effective due to advanced coping strategies.
- Corporate teams and professionals – One way modern companies increase team-building skills is through holistic therapies, including EAT.
Starting a Journey of Healing and Personal Growth Using EAT Programs
So, are you ready for equine-assisted learning that supports professionals in providing training and health services? We are here to help you understand how authentic equine-assisted work training and individual practice can benefit your mental and emotional health.
Our professionals work with you to help you not just observe, but also interpret and understand natural horse behavior. We help you understand what triggers different emotional and mental (and physical) responses.
Moreover, our OK Corral series includes talk therapy, medication management, and other services to help you carry on with a substance-free, stress-free lifestyle.
Up To 100% of Rehab Costs Covered By Insurance
Get Expert Equine Therapy Programs at Ingrained Recovery
To us, it is more than a model for human mental and emotional support. We see it as a way to guide our clients, through a path of holistic treatment, a more fulfilling healing journey. At Ingrained Recovery, our work honors and integrates evidence-backed therapies.
Whether you or a loved one is going through a difficult stage in life, let us help. Through equine-assisted psychotherapy or other treatment options, we can bring you closer to a natural healing journey. Please all for a confidential consultation today.