What Is Equined-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Equine-Facilitated Learning

Equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) and equine-facilitated learning (EFL) are experiential forms of psychotherapy and learning that involve equines. These are fast-growing disciplines in the equine industry, and PATH Intl. is an international voice for equine-assisted activities and therapies, including EFP and EFL, and provides standards of professionalism and safety for people working in those disciplines.

The equine is a critically important, sentient partner in the four-part team consisting of the equine, a mental health professional or educator, an equine specialist and a client. The participants or clients in equine-facilitated learning or equine-facilitated psychotherapy may include at-risk youth, victims of violence, veterans returning from war with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), people with many other mental health challenges and people seeking to improve their communication, leadership and team-building skills.

PATH Intl. members in the EFP and EFL fields have access to a broad range of resources, including:

• Immersion in the team approach to problem solving
• Training specific to the mental health and learning fields
• Opportunities for internships and mentoring
• Inclusion in a field of knowledgeable, seasoned professionals

Experienced mental health and learning team members can:

• Participate in advanced training
• Continue their professional understanding and implementation of PATH Intl.’s ethics and standards
• Network with their peers and other professionals in the field of equine assisted activities and therapies.
• For more information about equine-facilitated psychotherapy and the PATH Intl. unique approach, please read the PATH Intl. EFP Definition and Guidelines. 

Definitions
How to Start an EFP/EFL Program cd
Precautions and Contraindications
Psychotherapeutic Medications
EFMHA News Archive
Author's Guidelines
Join the EFMHA Email Group
FAQs