This presentation explores the use of Equine Assisted Therapy within domestic and family violence recovery programs. Grounded in experiential and relational therapy principles, the session will examine how horses can support emotional regulation, connection, safety, and recovery for people impacted by trauma and abuse.
The presentation will provide an overview of what Equine Assisted Therapy is and how it works in practice, including how horses communicate through body language, attunement, and nervous system awareness. It will explore why horses can be particularly effective for participants who may find traditional talk therapies challenging following traumatic experiences.
Drawing from programs delivered through Broken to Brilliant the session will discuss how equine-assisted principles have been integrated into recovery-focused group work for women impacted by domestic and family violence. Examples of participant engagement, and the importance of choice, empowerment, and relational safety will be highlighted.
The presentation will also discuss the early stages of a scoping review currently being undertaken by Lee in relation to the RESTORE program and the emerging evidence surrounding equine-assisted approaches in trauma recovery.