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Guardian Recovery Adolescent can help your teen take control of their lives, putting them on a path to a brighter future filled with possibility.
Building Healthy Boundaries
For teens working through trauma, learning to set healthy boundaries is an important part of the healing process. Trauma can leave them feeling powerless or unsure about how to protect their emotional and physical space. Equine therapy gives them a unique, hands-on way to practice boundary setting in a safe and supportive environment.
Horses naturally respond to boundaries—as they’ll respect a teen’s personal space if communicated clearly, but they’ll also push limits if those boundaries aren’t firm. This dynamic creates a safe and practical way for teens to explore what it means to set limits and advocate for themselves.
Through these experiences, teens start to see that boundaries aren’t about pushing people away but about creating safe and supportive relationships. Practicing these skills with horses helps them gain confidence, making it easier to carry what they’ve learned into their everyday lives and build trust in their relationships.
Emotional Release & Expression
For teens who’ve been through trauma, finding a way to let out and express their emotions can feel hard. Many don’t know how to put their feelings into words, or they worry about being judged for what they share. That’s where equine therapy makes such a difference. Horses pick up on nonverbal cues, creating a space where teens can feel understood without explaining everything.
Working with horses allows teens to process emotions at their own pace, whether through grooming, leading, or simply being present with the animal. These interactions help teens release pent-up feelings, giving them a sense of relief and helping them reconnect with their emotions in a safe and supportive environment.Â
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Developing Empathy & Self-Awareness
Equine therapy allows teens to build trust and self-awareness in a natural and hands-on way. Horses are incredibly sensitive to emotion. They can tell when a teen feels anxious, frustrated, or calm. For example, if a teen approaches a horse feeling nervous or unsure, the horse might hesitate or pull away. But when the teen takes a deep breath, slows down, and approaches calmly, the horse responds with trust, moving closer. This kind of feedback helps teens become more aware of their emotions and how they affect others. Building trust with a horse also teaches teens the value of patience, kindness, and consistency. If a teen is grooming a horse and rushes through it or gets frustrated, the horse might fidget or step away. But the horse relaxes and cooperates when the teen slows down, uses gentle movements, and stays focused. These moments show teens how important it is to approach relationships with care and understanding. Over time, these lessons translate into their daily lives, helping them build stronger, healthier connections with the people around them.Attachment Repair Through Equine Bonds
For teens who’ve experienced trauma, forming healthy attachments can be tough. Trust may have been broken, and knowing how to connect with others in a safe, supportive way can be hard. Equine therapy helps repair these attachment issues by offering a unique bond between teen and horse. Horses don’t judge, they don’t hold grudges, and they give teens the chance to build trust without the fear of rejection. When a teen begins to spend time with a horse—whether grooming, leading, or just sitting quietly together—they build a connection based on mutual respect and trust. For example, if a teen is initially nervous, the horse may stand back or avoid eye contact. But as the teen consistently shows patience and care, the horse gradually comes closer, signaling that trust is being built. These small moments of connection can be incredibly powerful for teens learning to heal their attachment wounds. They begin to understand what it feels like to form a healthy, trusting bond, and over time, they can carry those lessons into their relationships with people.Emotional Regulation Through Equine Interaction
Equine therapy helps teens develop better emotional regulation, which is often a struggle after trauma. Horses are highly attuned to emotions and react to a teen’s mood and energy in the moment. For example, the horse might become agitated if a teen feels overwhelmed or angry. But the horse will usually mirror calm energy when the teen steps back, calms down, and focuses on staying grounded.2 These interactions teach teens how to manage their emotions in the moment. As they work with the horse, they see how their emotional state affects their actions and relationships. A teen might discover that rushing or raising their voice doesn’t lead to the desired response, but being patient and calm does. Over time, these lessons help teens learn to control their emotions and handle stress in healthier, more balanced ways.The Role of Equine Specialists in Teen Therapy
Equine specialists are key in helping teens navigate therapy with horses. They have the expertise to understand both the horses and the emotional challenges teens face, creating a safe space where teens can bond with the horses meaningfully. These professionals offer the right mix of support, encouragement, and guidance as teens work through tough emotions. The equine specialist helps teens see how their emotions impact the horses, such as when a horse reacts to their energy or becomes uneasy. They also structure each session to ensure that the time spent with the horses is focused on the teen’s emotional growth, helping them take meaningful steps toward healing.3 With this expert guidance, teens can develop coping skills, practice emotional regulation, and rebuild trust while working with a compassionate professional who truly understands their challenges.Our LocationsÂ
Our Facilities & Teams Transform Lives
Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.
Boca Raton Adolescent Center
Boca Raton, Florida
Montville Adolescent Center
Towaco, New Jersey
New Pathway Counseling — Pine Brook Â
Pine Brook, New Jersey
Guardian Virtual
Online
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Choosing a treatment program for your child is a big decision, and it’s completely normal to have concerns. The right team can ease your fears and guide you through this journey. With the right support, you can shift from uncertainty to hope, knowing your child is on the path to healing.
At Guardian Recovery, we are here for you every step of the way. We are dedicated to helping teens and their families navigate recovery with compassion and care.
Call us today for a free, confidential conversation. Our team is ready to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you explore treatment options. We can even verify your insurance benefits or discuss payment options if needed. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
Transformation is possible. Guardian Recovery can help.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- Johnson RA, Albright DL, Marzolf JR, Bibbo JL, Yaglom HD, Crowder SM, Carlisle GK, Willard A, Russell CL, Grindler K, Osterlind S, Wassman M, Harms N. Effects of therapeutic horseback riding on post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans. Mil Med Res. 2018 Jan 19;5(1):3. doi: 10.1186/s40779-018-0149-6. PMID: 29502529; PMCID: PMC5774121.
- Mendonça T, Bienboire-Frosini C, Menuge F, Leclercq J, Lafont-Lecuelle C, Arroub S, Pageat P. The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy on Equine Behavioral and Physiological Responses. Animals (Basel). 2019 Jul 1;9(7):409. doi: 10.3390/ani9070409. PMID: 31266217; PMCID: PMC6681086.
- Müller-Klein A, Braun MN, Ferreira de Sá DS, Michael T, Link-Dorner U, Lass-Hennemann J. A Relaxed Horse-A Relaxed Client? An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Therapy Horses’ Stress on Clients’ Stress, Mood, and Anxiety. Animals (Basel). 2024;14(4):604. Published 2024 Feb 13. doi:10.3390/ani1404060.
