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Psychotherapy with Horses  
Pasadena and Los Angeles 

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Psychotherapy with Horses
in Pasadena and Los Angeles

What is Psychotherapy with Horses?

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Psychotherapy using horses, or Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning (EFPL), previously referred to as Equine Therapy,  is an integrative therapeutic approach that combines the wisdom and support of horses with traditional, evidence-based psychotherapy. In Pasadena and the Los Angeles, CA area, this powerful experiential therapy is used to help individuals work through emotional and psychological struggles such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

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Unlike traditional talk therapy, psychotherapy using horses involves hands-on interaction with horses under the guidance of a trained therapist. Horses have an incredible ability to mirror human emotions and behaviors, offering immediate, non-judgmental feedback that promotes emotional healing and self-awareness. This experiential therapy creates a safe and nurturing space for clients to work through challenges, while improving emotional regulation skills and increasing the capacity for building healthy attachment bonds.

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What Problems  Psychotherapy with Horses Help With?

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Psychotherapy with horses can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with the following challenges:

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  • Trauma and PTSD: The calming, non-threatening presence of horses helps individuals process and release trauma in a gentle, empowering way.

  • Anxiety and Stress: Horses can help reduce anxiety and stress, guiding clients toward mindfulness and emotional regulation.

  • Depression: Working with horses can provide an emotional uplift, helping individuals reconnect with joy and purpose in life.

  • Low Self-Esteem and Confidence: Through interaction with horses, clients can build self-esteem and confidence as they experience personal growth and healing.

  • Relationship Issues: EFPL can support individuals and couples in improving communication, boundaries, trust, and emotional connection.

  • Life Transitions: Whether you’re navigating a career change, dealing with loss, or adapting to a new life stage, EFPL can help you gain clarity and emotional resilience.

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Image by Lara Baeriswyl

Why is Psychotherapy with Horses Effective?

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Psychotherapy with horses in Pasadena and Los Angeles, CA offers a unique therapeutic experience that combines mindfulness, emotional regulation, connection, and experiential learning. Horses provide instant feedback to clients, which can accelerate the healing process compared to traditional therapy.

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Key Benefits of Psychotherapy with Horses Include:

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  • Immediate Emotional Feedback: Horses respond to human emotions and body language, providing direct and immediate feedback that helps clients understand their emotional state.

  • Non-Judgmental and Safe Environment: Horses don’t judge or criticize, which creates a  supportive space for healing and exploration of difficult emotions without fear of rejection.

  • Mindfulness and Presence: Horses live in the moment, helping clients to become more grounded and present, which can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with anxiety or emotional overwhelm.

  • Building Trust and Emotional Regulation: Clients learn valuable emotional regulation skills and how to rebuild trust—both in themselves and others.

  • Personal Growth and Empowerment: EFPL fosters emotional resilience, self-esteem, and confidence, empowering individuals to tackle challenges with a renewed sense of strength.

Why Choose Psychotherapy with Horses in Pasadena and Los Angeles, CA?

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Choosing psychotherapy with horses in Pasadena, CA, and the Los Angeles, CA area provides a one-of-a-kind approach to emotional healing rooted in the connection and working relationship with the horse . If you’ve felt disconnected or stuck in traditional talk therapy, psychotherapy with horses offers a more experiential and engaging way to heal. Whether you’re dealing with past trauma, relationship struggles, anxiety, or life transitions, horses provide a peaceful, grounded, and safe space to foster personal growth.

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Working with horses can help you build emotional awareness, process difficult emotions, and learn to cope with life’s challenges in a healthier, more positive way. This holistic and dynamic therapy can help you feel more present, grounded, and empowered in your everyday life.

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Ready to Experience Psychotherapy with Horses in Pasadena or Los Angeles, CA?

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If you’re ready to start your healing journey with psychotherapy with horses, email or call to learn more about how horses can help you process trauma, overcome anxiety, and transform your emotional health. This therapeutic approach is designed to help you achieve lasting change and personal empowerment in a supportive, hands-on environment.

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© 2023 Sydney Burkhardt Psychotherapy

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Sydney Burkhardt, M.A., Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #136229

Supervised by Stacy-Colleen Nameth, LCSW LCS #20894

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