Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: DBT and Trauma Treatment

Equine-Assisted DBt and Trauma Treatment

We are thrilled to partner with Mane Stream, in Oldwick NJ, to provide psychotherapy that includes equine interactions! Located in beautiful Hunterdon County, it is easily accessible from Northern and Central NJ and NYC.

We are currently enrolling for our next round of adolescent and adult DBT groups, which will begin September 12, 2025. We have limited spaces available. Please email liz@thebtcollective.com or lizzy@ellmanpsychological.com for more information about enrolling in EA-DBT groups, or by calling 551-264-1014.

Equine-assisted DBT combines the evidence-based principles of DBT with the presence of horses in a therapeutic, non-traditional setting. DBT focuses on teaching individuals skills to manage complex emotions and regulate behavior, develop interpersonal effectiveness skills, build skills to more effectively tolerate distress, and incorporate mindfulness. EA-DBT groups have fall and spring cycles, and follow standard DBT group structure: mindfulness, homework review, skills teaching, plus experiential activities with equine interactions to further skill generalization.

Liz and Lizzy are currently developing a manual for DBT with the inclusion of equine interactions, and gathering data for future research.

Including horses into trauma treatment, such as Prolonged Exposure, is also incredibly beneficial, and can help with: facilitating emotional processing, promoting self-awareness, providing the opportunity for metaphorical reflection, allowing oneself to build connection and learn to trust oneself in new experiences and environments, setting boundaries and promoting healthy attachment patterns, building confidence and mastery, and increasing body awareness and mindfulness skills. Liz and Lizzy are currently developing a trauma-based group for adults that includes equine interactions.

Liz and Lizzy are currently enrolled in the University of Denver Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy post-graduate certificate program for Licensed Mental Health Psychotherapists.