EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY COMES TO JAMAICA  

The relationship between horses and man goes back centuries, these large and powerful animals are very social and similar to humans, in some respects. This was proven recently when a team of EAP (equine Assisted Psychotherapy) professionals came to Jamaica to work with the staff and students of Teen Challenge.

The EAP team, therapist Lisa Panzer, horse practitioner Cheryl Harris and intern Jenny Tollison, came to the island from the USA, and spent five days in the hills of St. Ann demonstrating the use and effectiveness of the program, using horses to heal peoples’ hurts and emotions.

The implications of this unique kind of therapy are widespread, not only amongst recovering addicts, but also with troubled teens, families and individuals. 

The EAP team, therapist and horse professional, work closely together to devise a program suitable for the individuals needs.  At the end of the activity, time is spent is discussion and debriefing, discussing behaviors, feelings and issues arising from the activity and how they relate to the individuals and groups goals.

Local Psychotherapist, Dr. Sidney McGill and Horse Professional, Mrs. Tina Williams were amazed at how the students and horses reacted to each other and the emotions that were displayed. They feel that the therapy could have enormous application in Jamaica. Mrs. Williams recently returned from the US, where she undertook her training  for certification in this unique therapy.

More information on this type of therapy using the healing power of horses can be found on the EAGALA website (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) at www.eagala.org. For information on local therapy sessions contact Mrs. Tina Williams,  at 972 4600  email: tinahooves@cwjamaica.com, or Dr. Sidney McGill at  972 1805  email dovesgo@yahoo.com.

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