Equine Therapy for Children and Teens From the State of Alaska

Equine-assisted therapy is notably efficient in tackling the underlying problems of at-risk teenage girls from Alaska who suffer from trauma, clinical stress, depressive disorders, PTSD, and other severe mental health-related issues. 

Colossians 1:27 “to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory.”

Equine therapy near Alaska treats troubled teenage girls because teens feel less threatened and put on the spot as they would with traditional one-on-one talk therapy. This is particularly valuable because teens - whose frontal lobe is not yet entirely developed - regularly find it alarming and difficult to express emotional pain and underlying mental health-related problems.  

Ephesians 1:17 “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, MAY GIVE TO YOU a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge (experiential knowledge) OF HIM.”

Troubled teens from Alaska usually find it challenging to loosen up and show well-hidden painful emotions and circumstances. Equine-assisted psychotherapy allows teenage girls from Alaska to work on matters related to: 

• Self-reliance
• Developing and sustaining relationships or associations with others
• Emotional IQ
• Empathy
• Impulse management
• Problem-solving capabilities
• Social aptitudes
• Establish trust in others
• Entrust in self

Benefits of Equine Therapy for Troubled Girls from Alaska

Although numerous animals can be used in experiential, animal-assisted therapy, horses offer distinctive attributes that have made them a top choice for animal-assisted therapies. According to anxiety expert Dr. Robin Zasio, horses bring unique elements to the therapy process for troubled teenage girls from the Alaska.

Non-Judgmental and Fair - Elevating Work Ethic and Trust With Others

Horses are great motivators. For instance, they force teenagers to wake up early and feed and water them. At an equine therapeutic program, girls from Alaska partake in a myriad of equine-related activities, including washing stalls. Some facilities even allow their teenage patients to earn salaries to buy supplementary provisions that help uphold horse properties. Moreover, horses must be brushed, walked, and closely attended to.

Romans 8:10 “If Christ IS IN YOU, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.”

It is the same in the human world. Most of us have working lives. Whether parenting children, going to the office, a factory, or operating a business, many of us have no option but to wake up early and handle life as it comes. So equine therapy is a natural way for teenage girls from Alaska to prepare for their soon-to-be adult life, filled with obligations and responsibilities. 

Ephesians 1:18 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling,”

At an EAT program, teenage girls from the Alaska area participate in activities that are not always easy or pleasant. 

While at such a facility, teens tend to the daily needs of others (horses). 

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 "But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and FAITH IN THE TRUTH. IT WAS FOR THIS He called you through our gospel, that YOU MAY GAIN THE GLORY of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word."

Moreover, teens in an equine-assisted therapy program learn how to work to maintain their relationships. By interacting and taking care of horses, teens learn to take care of something other than themselves. However, these skills can be applied to human relationships by participating and immersing themselves in equine therapy. 

As much as therapists do their best to offer a safe space for clients to explore deep emotional hurts and painful experiences, it can be uneasy for teenage patients to share their introspections openly. In addition, building therapeutic rapport can take time as participants work toward building trust and practicing vulnerability in multiple sessions.

James 1:5 “But if ANY OF YOU lacks wisdom (Grace), let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Having the horse present has shown to be an effective emotional buffer as they react to the client's behavior and emotions with no threat of bias or any judgment of the teen's emotional experience, making it easier for therapists to treat reluctant teenage patients.