Animal-Assisted Therapy

Written By: Michael Anderson, MA, LPC
Medical Reviewer: Dr. Canfield MD
May 31, 2023

Many people face a significant challenge as they go through substance abuse recovery: filling their time with constructive activities that will help them re-learn positive behaviors so they don’t go back to old habits.

There is a need to do something active that will simultaneously fill the void left by substance use and help the person to heal mentally, physically, and spiritually. At the same time, there is a healing power to being surrounded by nature and animals.

This is why animal-assisted therapy can benefit people going through substance abuse recovery.

Healing Pines Recovery’s addiction treatment program offers a variety of activities to help people in substance abuse recovery, including animal-assisted therapy in Colorado. Participants will work with horses, donkeys, goats, chickens, llamas, and dogs under the guidance of trained professionals to learn how to care for and work with these animals. Animal-assisted therapy can help fill the void left by substance use and promote mental, physical, and spiritual healing. Equine-assisted therapy is also available and can help individuals recovering from addiction develop a sense of purpose and accomplishment. In addition to these therapies, Healing Pines offers group and individual counseling, a 12-step program, physical fitness therapy, and peer-to-peer support. Patients can expect a structured routine and a supportive environment to help them redefine their day and prevent relapse.

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Our Equine-Assisted Therapy Program

Healing Pines Recovery is a treatment center in Colorado that provides animal-assisted therapy for individuals undergoing substance abuse recovery. Our Equine-Assisted Therapy program involves caring for horses to help people who are depressed or experiencing other mental health challenges, including those recovering from addiction. In addition to equine therapy, Healing Pines also offers on-site therapy with dogs and donkeys, as well as off-site therapy with goats, chickens, llamas, and horses at a nearby farm. These therapy sessions help participants to care for, nurture, and work with animals, providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment that can aid in their recovery. Additionally, Healing Pines offers group therapy, individual counseling, a 12-step program, physical fitness therapy, and peer-to-peer support to help individuals redefine their day and build a social network that can extend beyond their time in treatment, preventing a relapse.

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Learn New Skills

Skills Enhanced by Equine-Assisted Therapy

Some specific skills that equine therapy can help an individual grow include:

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How It Can Help

Stability Offered by Equine-Assisted Therapy

In addition to helping people with substance use disorders build and grow these essential skills, equine therapy can also help people find a stable environment.

One study found that the stable environment provided by equine therapy can help people recovering from substance use disorder to construct a positive version of themselves by reinforcing positive behavior.

This is partly because equine-assisted therapy removes the individual from the circumstances and social circles that encouraged their former behavior. An important aspect of substance use recovery is getting away from the people and environments that led a person down the path to substance use addiction. Focusing on building a relationship with a horse can help individuals get back to nature without falling back into old habits.

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We work with most major commercial insurance plans which can help cover up to 100% of the costs associated with treatment.

The Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapy

There are many benefits of Colorado equine therapy.

Research shows us that being around animals has proven mental and physical benefits, including reducing feelings of isolation and depression.

For example, one study found that veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had reduced symptoms of depression and PTSD after three months of equine-assisted therapy.

Equine therapy is one form of animal-assisted therapy that can help people recovering from substance abuse to re-learn positive behaviors and gain more control in their lives. Working with horses allows individuals to be their true selves. Horses are intuitive, naturally curious creatures. They will not judge a person but respond when they are well-cared for and loved.

Colorado offers a soothing backdrop for equine-assisted therapy. It has many open spaces for equine therapy and can encourage individuals to return to nature.

In addition, Colorado equine therapy can help men build trust. They will develop a strong, nurturing relationship with a horse based on mutual trust. This can carry over into their personal lives and help them build stronger relationships with those around them.

Treatment Options

What Does Equine Therapy Treat?

People who enter into residential treatment programs in Colorado for substance abuse are experiencing multiple disorders. They may have anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. They could also have physical ailments due to substance use disorder or unrelated matters.

Thus, equine therapy can be beneficial for treating the whole person instead of only addressing one challenge or symptom.

Some of the many things that equine therapy can treat include:

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The leadership and staff were committed to my success.

Paul is a man of integrity which flows through his team. I have been to other recovery programs and HPR stands far above them all. The small group structure offers a more intimate and personalized experience. This was so much more beneficial to my recovery than facilities preaching a "one-size-fits-all" solution to larger and fragmented groups. It was like having personal and knowledgeable therapists dedicated to me for a full month! They went out of their way to understand the root of my challenges and construct a path for improvement that is unique and relatable to me. This was a huge benefit!

Jay C

It saved my life, in every sense.

I spent a month at Healing Pines Recovery. The actual location itself is unreal. A beautiful cabin lodge, with gorgeous scenery. The rooms are large, queen beds, very comfortable! Great bathrooms with great showers! There is a pool table, slam jam, (Christine! 😉 frisbee golf, and daily access to a nearby gym. The property also has a pickle ball court that was used daily, Zoey the counselor beat us men constantly!

Clay M

My experience with Healing Pines Recovery has been wonderful.

My husband was their client, and they helped him be able to help himself. He is doing amazing! I think the combination of counseling, physical labor, meditation, AA, and just the beauty of the place itself all had a very positive impact on him. They really cared about him, and that did not stop just because he came home. Also they have counseling for the families and it has really helped me a lot. Heather is awesome! I thank God that we had them in our lives when we were most vulnerable.

Susan M

We wanted to share our gratitude to the staff.

Our son was under the care of Healing Pines recently and we wanted to share our gratitude to the staff. There were many challenges in his pursuing treatment, and thankfully Paul and Heather C helped us navigate all of them skillfully with patience and compassion.

Jim E

You'll get your life back!

Healing Pines Recovery is/was instrumental in setting me up for long term success in my recovery journey. I've been to treatment centers in the past and HPR is nothing like anything I've attended before. They're very small, intimate, and hands-on approach to recovery was exactly what I was looking for when seeking treatment. I knew that a large, one size fits all program like those offered by many other treatment centers in Colorado wouldn't provide me with the help I desperately needed. Paul and his Team are incredible and I would highly recommend HPR to anyone who needs help starting their recovery journey. Big shout out to James for all of his guidance during my time at HPR. His grace, knowledge, understanding, and direction were/are key to my continued success in recovery. One HUGE piece of the puzzle I love is the after care I've received from HPR... I am in constant contact with Paul, James, and many other staff members through the their alumni programs and it has helped me so much with life after HPR. This program was truly a miracle in my life and I know it will be for many other men struggling with addiction and/or alcoholism. You'll get your life back!

Nicholas P

This is truly a great recovery facility.

My learning experience here was something I’ll take with me throughout my whole life. The staff here will always be a part of my family and I am beyond thankful for everything they have done and continue to do for my well-being.

Gunnar P

I can't speak more highly of Healing Pines Recovery & Addiction Center.

It is located in a beautiful Colorado location with lots of outdoor activities and fresh air. They have a very knowledgeable and professional staff that goes above and beyond to meet your needs.

Riley K

I couldn’t have been at a more amazing place to begin this journey.

Seriously an amazing place. Everything from how beautiful the house and the property it sits on down to every person staffed there was nothing less than perfect. More than highly recommended in every sense. If you’re reading this and trying to find the right place for treatment and recovery I would absolutely look no further. Everyone’s recovery is different and we all need a comfortable place with people we can trust through this battle, healing pines understood that everyone’s path is different and they 100% cater to that. I couldn’t have been any luckier with finding Healing Pines. I won’t go any deeper and start to thank everyone there individually, But I want to express my gratitude to everyone on the HEALING PINES TEAM. Without you all, my path in sobriety would not look anywhere near the way it looks today. Seriously from the bottom of my heart thank you!

James M

Your Journey to Wellness Begins Today

Healing Pines Recovery offers a range of animal-assisted therapies that can benefit people going through substance abuse recovery. The Equine-Assisted Therapy Program involves caring for, riding, and being around horses. Equine-assisted therapy can help people who are depressed or experiencing other mental health challenges, including recovering from substance abuse. Caring for an animal can give people recovering from addiction a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Additionally, Healing Pines Recovery offers on-site therapy with dogs and donkeys, as well as off-site therapy with goats, chickens, llamas, and horses at a nearby farm.

Participants in Healing Pines Recovery’s animal-assisted therapy in Colorado will be led through a series of activities and exercises with animals, including horses, donkeys, goats, chickens, and llamas. Under the watch of a trained professional, they will learn to care for, nurture, and work with these animals in their overall addiction recovery process. As a result, they will gain confidence in their ability to care for others and themselves and strengthen their recovery process.

In addition to animal-assisted therapy, Healing Pines offers group therapy, individual counseling, a 12-step program, physical fitness therapy, and a structured routine for residential patients. Several activities are available throughout the day, ensuring every patient has opportunities to learn and grow as they embark on their sober lifestyle. The residential treatment program feels like home, with a high staff-to-patient ratio and a supportive environment that welcomes men from all walks of life. Furthermore, Healing Pines offers peer-to-peer support, allowing patients to get to know each other personally and build a social network that can extend beyond their time in treatment. This is essential to recovery and can help participants prevent a relapse.

Many treatment centers offer therapy and residential support. However, few provide equine-assisted therapy in the beautiful surroundings of Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado.

Men and their loved ones are invited to contact our drug rehab in Colorado to learn more about the different options for treatment and substance abuse recovery. Contact us to get started on your healing path.

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