Equine Psychotherapy and DBT: Enhancing Interpersonal Skills with G.I.V.E.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) has gained recognition as an effective therapeutic approach that combines interactions with horses and traditional psychotherapy techniques. When integrated with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), equine psychotherapy can offer individuals valuable skills for improving interpersonal effectiveness. This article explores how equine psychotherapy incorporates DBT's G.I.V.E. skills (Gentle, Interested, Validate, Easy Manner) to enhance communication and cultivate respectful relationships.

1. Gentle: Respecting Others without Judgment In equine-assisted psychotherapy, being gentle is essential. Practicing gentleness involves showing respect, kindness, and courtesy to others, including the horses. It requires refraining from personal judgments and avoiding negating someone's point of view. Using "and" instead of "but" when offering criticism helps maintain open communication. For example, saying, "I hear what you are saying, and this is my point," acknowledges the other person's perspective while expressing your own. Cultivating gentleness fosters a safe and non-judgmental environment for open dialogue.

2. Interested: Actively Engaging in Communication Actively engaging with others is crucial in equine-assisted psychotherapy. Demonstrating interest involves using eye contact, affirmative nodding, and refraining from interrupting when others are speaking. Reflecting back the main points of what the other person says shows that you are actively listening and valuing their perspective. By showing genuine interest, individuals can establish trust and strengthen their relationships with both the horses and fellow participants.

3. Validate: Acknowledging Others' Feelings Validation is a powerful tool in equine-assisted psychotherapy, emphasizing empathy and understanding. When someone expresses their feelings, it is important to acknowledge and validate them, even if you may not necessarily agree with their thoughts or emotions. Validating the other person's experience can be as simple as saying, "It makes sense to feel frustrated when it seems like no one ever listens to you." Validating others' feelings helps create an atmosphere of acceptance, fostering stronger connections and promoting emotional well-being.

4. Easy Manner: Cultivating Calm and Flexibility Maintaining an easy manner is crucial in equine-assisted psychotherapy, as it contributes to a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Presenting oneself with a flexible demeanor and relaxed body language promotes open communication and trust. By consciously relaxing the muscles and appearing at ease, individuals create a safe space for emotional exploration and connection with the horses. An easy manner allows for greater authenticity and deeper emotional growth.

Conclusion: Equine-assisted psychotherapy, in combination with DBT's G.I.V.E. skills, provides a powerful platform for enhancing interpersonal effectiveness and communication. By practicing gentleness, showing interest, validating others' feelings, and maintaining an easy manner, individuals can develop respectful and meaningful relationships both in the therapeutic setting and beyond. Equine psychotherapy offers a unique opportunity to practice these skills while connecting with horses, allowing for personal growth, emotional healing, and improved social interactions.