Equine-Assisted Therapy vs. Traditional Therapy: A Comparative Guide

Therapy comes in many forms, each tailored to the diverse needs of individuals seeking support. Among the various approaches, equine-assisted therapy has emerged as a unique and powerful alternative to traditional talk therapy. But what sets it apart? In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences and benefits of both modalities to help you understand how equine-assisted therapy might complement or even enhance the therapeutic journey.

Why Choose Equine-Assisted Therapy?

Equine-assisted therapy involves working with horses to promote emotional, mental, and relational growth. Unlike traditional therapy, which typically takes place in an office setting, equine therapy is experiential and conducted outdoors in partnership with these sensitive, intuitive animals.

What are some of the Unique Aspects of Therapy with Horses?

Horses as Mirrors: Horses are highly attuned to human emotions and energy. They can sense subtle shifts in your mood and body language, reflecting those changes back to you in real-time. This unique mirroring ability helps clients develop greater self-awareness and emotional insight.

A Non-Judgmental Presence: Equine-assisted therapy offers a unique therapeutic environment as horses do not judge or hold biases. Their instinctual responses create a safe space where clients can freely explore their feelings and behaviors without fear of criticism. Importantly, no prior experience with horses is necessary to participate in equine-assisted therapy, making it accessible to everyone regardless of their background with horses.

Hands-On, Experiential Learning: Equine therapy involves activities like grooming, leading, or guiding horses through obstacle courses. These hands-on experiences engage the body and mind, offering a different way to process emotions compared to traditional talk therapy.

Connection to Nature: Being outdoors adds another layer of therapeutic benefit. Studies show that spending time in natural environments reduces stress, enhances mood, and fosters a sense of well-being.

How is Traditional Therapy Different From Equine-Assisted Therapy?

Traditional therapy, often conducted in an office or virtual setting, typically involves talking with a licensed therapist about your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It’s an excellent choice for individuals seeking a structured approach to understanding and addressing mental health challenges.

How Do Horses Help in the Therapeutic Process?

Intuitive Nature: Horses are prey animals, which means they’re constantly attuned to their environment. This heightened sensitivity allows them to pick up on human emotions and respond in ways that foster connection and understanding.

Non-Verbal Communication: Horses rely on body language to communicate, encouraging clients to become more aware of their own non-verbal cues and how those cues impact relationships.

Grounding Presence: The size, strength, and calm demeanor of a horse can create a grounding effect, helping clients feel more present and centered.

How Does Nature Play a Role in Equine-Assisted Therapy?

Equine-assisted therapy takes place in outdoor settings, which offers benefits beyond working with horses. Exposure to nature has been shown to:

Lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone)
Enhance mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Improve focus and cognitive function
Foster a sense of connection and belonging

This combination of nature’s healing qualities and the horse-human bond makes equine-assisted therapy a holistic approach to well-being.

Which Therapy is Right for You?

Choosing between equine-assisted therapy and traditional therapy depends on your preferences, needs, and goals. If you enjoy experiential learning, being outdoors, or seek a unique connection with your emotions, equine-assisted therapy could be ideal. Conversely, if you prefer a more structured, evidence-based approach focused on verbal processing, traditional therapy may be better suited for you.

In my practice, I offer both traditional and equine-assisted therapy, combining techniques like EMDR and Gestalt Therapy with equine interactions to create personalized, effective healing experiences. Many clients find that integrating these modalities enriches their therapy, providing a well-rounded approach that incorporates both experiential and verbal elements. These therapies can be used together, allowing clients to leverage their strengths and deepen their healing journey.

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Being Safe vs Feeling Safe: A Nervous System Guide (with horses)

By Lexie Glisson • January 31, 2026

Why You Can Be Safe but Not Feel Safe: And What Horses Mirror Safety isn’t just a thought. It’s a nervous system experience. There’s a big difference between being safe and feeling safe : Being safe means there’s no present-moment threat. Feeling safe means your nervous system agrees. If you’ve ever been in a totally normal moment, nothing dangerous is actually happening, but your body is acting like something is wrong, you’re not alone. You might notice a tight chest, foggy thinking, an urge to escape, or a sudden numbness. That’s often a conditioned response : an inner state that doesn’t match your outer reality. This is where a tool called dual awareness can help. What is dual awareness? A nervous system tool for feeling safe Dual awareness is when you place equal attention on your outer world and your inner world . It helps you check for congruence between: what’s actually happening right now, and what your nervous system is experiencing. When your inner experience matches your outer circumstances, you’re more likely to respond with choice and clarity. Step 1: How to check for safety in your environment Before we do anything internal, we start with the obvious question: Am I actually unsafe right now? If there’s a real present-moment threat, that’s not the time to talk yourself out of it. Your nervous system is doing its job. If you’re physically safe, here are a few gentle ways to orient to the present moment: What do I see right now? Where are my feet? What sounds do I hear? Step 2: How to check your breathing, body, and thoughts Next, shift your awareness inward and notice what’s happening without forcing it to change. Breath: fast, slow, shallow, deep Body: tense, relaxed, strained Thoughts: scattered, racing, absent, foggy, sharp, hyper-alert Then try naming your experience in a way that creates a little space: “A part of me feels scared.” “A part of me wants to leave.” Instead of: “I’m not safe.” This small shift can help you stay connected to what’s happening inside without becoming consumed by it. Step 3: How to tell if you are safe but not feeling safe Now that you’ve tuned into both your outer world and inner world, ask: Does my internal experience match my external circumstances? Being safe + feeling safe is a congruent state. Being safe + feeling unsafe is an incongruent state. Incongruence doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It often means your nervous system is responding from old learning rather than present-moment reality. What horses mirror in equine-assisted therapy: congruence and nervous system state When working with horses, they can support this process by mirroring congruence or incoherence in real time. Horses are especially sensitive to authenticity. They don’t care if you’re sad, mad, bad, or glad. What matters most is whether your inner state is congruent with your outward expression. As you attempt to connect, you may notice patterns in how horses respond. Signs a horse may sense calm and congruence Turn toward you with soft eyes and gentle curiosity Eat or drink water (often a sign of rest and digest) Hold their head in a neutral or lowered position; ears forward or neutral Stand with a leg cocked or lie down to rest Signs a horse may sense stress, activation, or incongruence Become restless, busy, or more alert Lift their head or pin their ears back Break connection and move away Test boundaries by crowding your space or bumping you These are only a few examples, and it’s always more complex than one behavior. It’s about the whole scene: the context, the relationship, and the overall vibe. That’s also why it’s important to do this work with an experienced equine professional. In session, I use my own dual awareness to track what’s happening and help you and the horses move toward deeper congruence. How you rewire the nervous system: repetition and returning to the present Dual awareness helps you stay connected to yourself and your environment in the present moment without getting swallowed by a conditioned response based on the past. Every time you notice you’re elevated and you come back to reality, you’re reprogramming your nervous system. Every time you catch an old story and choose to reorient to the present moment, you’re reprogramming your nervous system. Every time you become aware that your body is reliving an old experience that doesn’t match what is actually happening right now, you’re building a new bridge. You’re learning to respond to the world as the mature adult you are, instead of like the younger part of you that didn’t know what to do. Therapy support in Boulder and Denver: equine-assisted therapy, EMDR, and nervous system work If you’ve been wondering why you can know you’re safe but not feel safe, you’re not alone, and it’s workable. Dual awareness is one of the ways we start building that bridge. Want support with this work, with or without horses? Reach out to schedule a consultation and we’ll explore what kind of therapy support fits best.