Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in Asheville, NC
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Heal and grow with Katie Hadden, LCSW, LCAS and horses as your partners in therapy.
If talking about your struggles in an office hasn’t brought the change you want, equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) offers a different path. At Flourish Counseling and Wellness, Katie Hadden, LCSW, LCAS works alongside specially selected horses and an Equine Specialist to help clients build self-awareness, regulate emotions, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. No riding or horse experience is required.
What Is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Equine assisted psychotherapy is an experiential form of talk therapy that includes horses in the session. Instead of sitting across from a therapist, you take part in guided, ground-based activities with horses, such as leading, grooming, observing, or navigating an obstacle course together. Your therapist helps you notice what comes up and explore how it connects to your life, relationships, and goals.
All sessions are conducted by a licensed mental health professional, often alongside a certified equine specialist, in a safe, structured setting. Because therapy happens on the ground, you never need to ride.
Why Horses?
Horses are large, sensitive, social animals that respond to body language, tone, and emotional energy in the moment. Many people find that this creates:
- Immediate, honest feedback. Horses respond to how you show up, not to what you say you feel.
- A less intimidating starting point. Many clients who feel stuck or guarded in traditional talk therapy find it easier to open up while working with an animal.
- Real-time practice. Setting boundaries, communicating clearly, and staying calm under pressure become things you do, not just discuss.
- A calming presence. Time with animals in a natural setting can support relaxation and emotional regulation.
What Can Equine Therapy Help With?
Our equine assisted psychotherapy program in [City] supports clients working through:
- Anxiety and panic
- Trauma and PTSD
- Depression and low mood
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and communication difficulties
- Self-esteem and identity concerns
- Life transitions and burnout
Who Is Equine Therapy For?
Flourish currently offers Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for individual adults ages 18+, as well as occasional group activities for adolescents and adults.
What to Expect in Your First Session
- Welcome and orientation. You’ll meet your therapist, review safety guidelines, and talk about your goals. There’s no pressure to jump in.
- Meet the horses. You’ll be introduced to the herd and observe them in their environment.
- Guided activity. Your therapist will invite you into an activity with a horse. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.
- Reflection. Together, you’ll process what you noticed, felt, and learned, and connect it to your life outside the session.
Sessions typically last 55 minutes and take place at our stable in Swannanoa, NC. Wear closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Our Approach and Credentials
Katie Hadden, LCSW, LCAS has specialized training in equine assisted psychotherapy through EGALA. Safety, ethics, and the welfare of our horses guide everything we do. Our herd is carefully selected and cared for to ensure a calm, supportive therapeutic environment.
Is Equine Therapy Effective?
Research on equine assisted therapy is growing, with studies suggesting benefits for anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, and emotional regulation. Because EAP is still an emerging field, results vary from person to person, and it works best as part of a personalized treatment plan. We’re happy to talk with you about whether it’s the right fit, and we can coordinate with your current therapist, psychiatrist, or care team.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Most of our clients have never worked with horses before. Your therapist will guide you every step of the way.
Therapeutic riding focuses on physical, cognitive, and recreational goals through riding. Equine assisted psychotherapy is a mental health treatment provided by a licensed clinician, focused on emotional and psychological growth.
Yes. Sessions are led by trained professionals, and our horses are selected for their temperament. Safety protocols are reviewed at the start of every session.
This depends on your goals. Some clients see meaningful progress within a few months, while others continue longer-term. We’ll discuss a plan that fits your needs at your first appointment.
Absolutely. Many clients pair EAP with traditional talk therapy, medication management, or other supports. Katie Hadden, LCSW, LCAS is additional trained in EMDR to treat trauma and may bring aspects of EMDR into sessions.