Veterans Program
Creating a safe space for self-expression and belonging
Our service men and women return home after surviving the horrors of war with not only physical pain but also war time psychological trauma. They sometimes still experience anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, loneliness and in some cases, even an inability to get close to others.
Veterans Program
At EquiShui, we provide a safe space for veterans to process experiences, feel connected and transition into civilian life.
Our Veterans’ program at EquiShui is a trauma-informed equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) program developed to serve the needs of veterans who have struggled with issues around transition from military life to civilian life and /or suffer some form of trauma as a result of being in service.
In partnership with horses, veterans have an opportunity to rebuild their ability to connect with themselves and others, address anxiety, depression and any sense of alienation and disconnection that they might feel.
The goal of the program is to support the empowerment of veterans and facilitate integration back into community.
The EAGALA Model
What is EAP?
EAGALA Model Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a unique therapeutic approach that uses horses as catalysts for emotional growth and learning.
EAP has been shown to be effective in treating veterans who suffer from the effects of PTSD and other debilitating conditions. Learn More.
Program Benefits
Why EAP for veterans
- Identify patterns in thoughts and behaviors that keep you from moving forward with your goals.
- Foster resilience and learn new ways of coping with anxiety and stress.
- Build trust and experience connection to self and others.
- Process emotional trauma in a safe space.
- Increase feelings of self-confidence, self-worth and belonging to community.
- Find real world solutions to your toughest challenges.
- Camaraderie and fellowship with other veterans
Many veterans struggle with issues around transition from military life to civilian life. They face difficulty of reentry into “normal” life with family and friends which no longer feels normal.
They feel disconnected, alienated and isolated.
Veterans Program
Experiences
The EAGALA Model Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) model has been shown to have a tremendous impact on maintaining the psychological health and enhancing the resilience and ensuring the recovery of service members.
Single EAP session
Our single EAP sessions are designed to introduce veterans to EAP and create a network that will provide outlets for friendships and community building.
In our 1-3 hour sessions, we will use a combination of EAP and equine assisted activities to help each veteran uncover solutions to challenges they may be experiencing.
8-week EAP program
In EAP sessions, horses help veterans tell their own life stories.
The sessions provide opportunities for service members to build on their resilience, and learn through self- discovery the changes they need to make in order to overcome obstacles in the new context of civilian life.
There is no cost to the Veteran and Veterans may return as often as they like.