Olive Tree Counseling offers equine-assisted psychotherapy services for clients of all ages at EQUI-KIDS (https://www.equikids.org/)therapeutic riding center in Virginia Beach. Sessions take place in a structured therapeutic environment and include a licensed professional counselor, equine specialist and horse(s). Equine-assisted psychotherapy is ideal for individuals seeking an experiential approach to healing and personal growth.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a therapeutic ground-based approach that involves working alongside horses to support emotional awareness, regulation, and insight. Sessions focus on interaction and observation rather than horseback riding. The presence of horses can help bring awareness to patterns, emotions, and responses that may be difficult to access through talk therapy alone.

No prior experience with horses is required. Equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions are designed to be accessible and emotionally safe, with guidance provided throughout the process. Sessions focus on groundwork and observation, with no riding involved.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is not a replacement for counseling but a complementary therapeutic approach. It is grounded in clinical goals and integrated with therapeutic insight. Some clients choose equine-assisted psychotherapy as their primary modality, while others integrate it alongside traditional counseling, depending on their needs.

The first session includes an introduction to the setting, a discussion of goals, and an overview of how sessions are structured. Time is spent orienting to the environment and establishing emotional and physical safety. There is no pressure to interact with the horses in any specific way. Sessions proceed at a pace that feels supportive and respectful.

Horses are highly attuned to emotional states and nonverbal communication. Their responsiveness can help clients increase self-awareness, practice boundaries, develop confidence, and strengthen emotional regulation. This approach can be particularly helpful for trauma, anxiety, attachment-related concerns, and individuals who benefit from experiential or body-based therapeutic work. Watch this informative video from EAGALA (https://www.eagala.org)about the power of equine-assisted psychotherapy: https://vimeo.com/195710450