Discovery Point Retreat is a rehab outside Dallas, Texas offering substance abuse treatment through a variety of traditional and holistic methods. Discovery Point provides detox, inpatient and outpatient care. Treatment programs are completely individualized for every client based on their personal history, treatment goals and specific needs. These include evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) as well as the 12-step approach, recreational therapy and equine therapy. Through client-centered care focused on total physical, mental, and spiritual healing, Discovery Point aims to create lasting change for a clean and sober future.
Animal-Assisted Therapy is a holistic approach that involves interaction with an animal—often cats, dogs or horses—in order to overcome psychological and emotional challenges in the addiction recovery process. Equine therapy involves supervised bonding interactions with horses including petting, grooming, and riding, aimed toward promoting emotional growth and personal development. Those who participate in equine therapy at Discovery Point Retreat experience reduction of stress, greater emotional awareness and responsibility.
A 2015 study showed that those who participated in a rehab that incorporated equine therapy were nearly twice as likely to complete their program. The study also found higher levels of self-esteem and coping ability in equine therapy participants compared to other treatment methods. In addition to these skills, equine therapy offers individuals the opportunity to develop a better sense of non-verbal feedback. Horses are able to sense a person’s feelings and respond appropriately to situations, which can be a great example for those who lack social skills. Their presence and unconditional animal affection offers people in recovery attention that is nonjudgmental and free from prejudice.
Equine therapy can provide many learning opportunities for participating clients. Recovering men and women can use their interaction with the horse to measure, evaluate and modify the ways they interact with people. The therapist can also use the horse as a method to open conversation about psychological or social issues related to their addiction. The presence of animals is also great for trust building. Individuals who feel uncomfortable talking in a traditional therapy setting might find equine therapy to be a safe environment where they can open up and develop a sense of comfort.
Animals can also be great models of healthy relationships. A non-judgmental bond can occur between the horse and the person. Equine therapy participants struggling with the social consequences of active addiction begin to rebuild their confidence in an atmosphere without fear of criticism. This judgment free zone can also help those in recovery develop much needed peace of mind. When someone with a substance abuse disorder is in rehab, the down time between meetings and group therapy can be a disadvantage as intense cravings and negative thought patterns can become overwhelming when the mind is not occupied. Learning to care about something outside themselves and having healthy, nurturing interactions with horses can occupy the mind and allow the therapeutic process to continue, even between formal therapy sessions.
The equine therapy at Discovery Point Retreat is tailored to suit the unique needs of the client and promote their overall treatment goals. With this in mind, the experience and benefits of equine therapy may vary between individuals. Some clients may benefit more from longer, more involved sessions with the horses while others respond better to more traditional therapy approaches. In both cases, the client is encouraged to develop an emotional bond with the horse. Typically, equine therapy programs do not include riding the horses. In fact, therapy horses are often either too old for riding or are themselves recovering from injuries associated with riding accidents.
Treatment programs at Discovery Point Retreat are designed promote overall healing and wellness. Equine therapy can play an important part in this process by teaching the clients about empathy, trust and self-confidence. By learning to respect and care for the horses, they develop a renewed sense of self-worth.
Discovery Point Retreat operates with the understanding that substance abuse is often a symptom of underlying issues, which need to be addressed in order to move forward and live a healthier, more successful life. With a variety of traditional and holistic programs, a beautiful facility and a professional, empathetic staff, Discovery Point Retreat is dedicated to helping clients reach their full potential.
Reach Discovery Point Retreat by phone at (866) 586-3406 or by email at info@discoverypointx.com. Find Discovery Point Retreat on Facebook
Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
