Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy


“In the quiet strength of horses, discover your own resilience and the courage to face life’s challenges.”


Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is a unique, experiential, relational, and somatic based therapy focused on enhancing well-being, healing, and growth. Dr. Yule incorporates horses into sessions to help children, adolescents, and families develop new skills and coping strategies. Unlike traditional talk therapy, participants are able to learn about their whole individual self (thoughts, feelings, behaviors, relationships) while practicing skills in-the-moment through physical activities with horses.

EFP has been shown to be beneficial for children, adolescents, and adults managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, PTSD and Autism; and for those affected by relationship difficulties, parent-child conflict, trauma, grief, or chronic pain and medical conditions.

At Unbridled Chances, we do not view horses as a tool in the therapy process, but instead as partners and co-facilitators in each session. Horses are prey animals and thus naturally live in the moment. As such, horses are leading experts in non-verbal communication and being attuned to their surrounding environment and the emotions of others. When we partner with horses, they provide us non-judgmental, honest, and immediate feedback. This feedback potentially provides more impactful and meaningful therapeutic moments and breakthroughs, as compared to traditional talk-therapy in an office setting. In turn, participants gain greater insight into their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationships with others while developing new and adaptive coping strategies.

No horse experience is needed or expected when participating in EFP. Please note that EFP is not a mounted riding experience.

EFP can be a great option if you are interested in participating in a different type of therapy that involves a more experiential or “hands-on-learning” approach. EFP can be used as stand-alone therapy or in conjunction with traditional talk therapy sessions. We can work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your goals. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation by clicking the link below to figure out if EFP is a good fit for you and your goals.

Dr. Yule has a personal background in horsemanship since 5 years of age when she began taking riding lessons. Dr. Yule is now working with The HERD Institute to become certified in EFP to combine her passion for horses and commitment to fostering resilience in youth and families through psychotherapy.