About
At Cavallo Therapy (Part of Psychological Consultancy RC Ltd) we integrate evidence based psychological models and the EAGALA Model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy & Learning.
Clients have the opportunity to explore themselves through equine assisted activity, and be helped to develop self-awareness and more effective coping strategies to manage day-to-day life, goals and challenging situations.
Through horse interactions clients can connect their head and heart in a way that transforms challenges into actions for everyday life. We do this by examining what’s going on right now and help address personal issues, relationships, professional issues and transitions in one’s personal life. We also provide support for a variety of mental health difficulties and traumas to achieve better psychological flexibility and wellbeing.
We provide the client with support to help recognise what is the absolute best for themselves and guide them towards developing ways of achieving this. The client is the only person who truly knows who they are and what they need.
Equine assisted therapy will help discover what “personal best” could be.
“Expertise and knowledge are our main values and we are constantly training and developing to offer a centre of excellence.”
— Dr Roberta Caiazza
Animal assisted therapy has over the years grown and its benefits have been identified in a variety of clinical settings, when working psychologically with children, adults and veterans alike. There is a growing body of evidence that highlights how it can be an invaluable asset in supporting individuals reach their potential, increase self-awareness, mental health and wellbeing as well as allowing one to further develop oneself.
What’s the Approach?
The approach is a combination of the EAGALA assisted therapy and evidence based psychological therapy. It is developed around a collaborative solution focused approach and aims to increase self-awareness through a non-judgmental, neutral and safe process of discovery of self.
The EAGALA model is based on experiential therapy. This is a model of therapy that allows you to explore your inner self through interacting with horses. You will be supported in processing and understanding thoughts, feelings and behaviours though your own experience in the moment.
Why Horses?
Research by Uyemura in 2016 shows that human-animal interaction increases our wellbeing by lowering the stress hormones (cortisol) and increasing the levels of wellbeing hormones (endorphins dopamine and oxytocin). Horses are big prey animals, with a complex social structure and ability to adapt to challenging situations. It appears that these qualities allow us humans to be mindful of the present in which we find ourself as well as drawing attention to our social system and narrative. This guides us towards connection with our inner self, reflection, self-awareness and acceptance of the self.
What’s the Model?
Our model of work is a ground based, hands on and experiential process in presence of horses, a mental health practitioner and an equine specialist.
We offer a solution focused approach and the work is tailored around each client’s needs, by the client & horse process.
