Not all childhoods are a time of play and enjoyment.

At times children too experience some psychological difficulties, emotional health issues and disturbance. It’s not uncommon, and evidence shows that 1 in 5 children and adolescent may be struggling with a mental heath disorder and 1 in 10 may be experiencing emotional disturbance.

Equine assisted therapy can help children become aware of these struggles and promote the ability to communicate distress in order to achieve a better balance and wellbeing

Some signs of distress can be:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness

• Constant anger and a tendency to overreact to situations

• Persistent worry, anxiety

• Preoccupation with physical illness or

• Preoccupation about body image

• Fear that someone is controlling their mind

• A sudden and unexplained drop in grades at school

• A loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed

• Changes in patterns of sleeping or eating

• Preferring to be alone rather than in the company of friends or family

• Hearing voices that aren't there

• Expressing thoughts of suicide

• An inability to concentrate, think clearly, or make decisions

• An inability to sit still

• Performing routines obsessively throughout the day, such as washing hands or cleaning things

• Experiencing regular nightmares

• Dieting obsessively, binging, vomiting or avoiding food intake

• Taking part in violent acts such as setting fires or killing animals

Therapy can be of help to address these symptoms and can be beneficial before things get worse.

For more information on how to access help contact us