Treatment
Equine facilitated therapy
Equine facilitated therapy is a treatment in which humans interact with horses in their natural environment, helping to support emotional growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between the client, the therapist, and the horses themselves.
People typically learn best by “doing”. Life lessons have a deeper impact when individuals both understand them in their heads and, more importantly, experience them in their bodies. Working with the horses is engaging and hands-on and the results are noticed immediately. The experience helps the client to learn about themselves and others by discussing and processing their feelings and behaviours to recognise underlying patterns.
EFP is often more effective and quicker than traditional clinical and psycho-educational approaches in helping clients to change and grow.
overview
Complete privacy. Complete care.
Located within our 13-hectare private estate, La Casita is a secluded two-bedroom residence with its own entrance and gardens. It provides an unparalleled environment for clients who need total anonymity, personalised care, and the reassurance of 24-hour on-site medical support.
Set in northern Ibiza, far from the island’s party scene, La Casita’s tranquil surroundings and natural beauty seep into every part of the recovery journey.
Equine Facilitated Therapy
Why horses?
Horses have defined roles within their herds and, just like humans, are social animals that need interaction with their peers. Horses have distinct personalities, moods, and attitudes, which you can clearly see when you observe the interaction between a human and a horse. Horses also require work; they can’t clean or groom themselves, and can’t prepare their own food. Attending to their needs requires discipline and responsibility.
→ Horses are non-judgemental and non-confrontational.
→ They are sensitive, especially to intent – they can detect human emotions and will mirror them through their own responses and behaviours.
→ They provide honest and immediate feedback.
→ They don’t hold grudges or lie.
→ Having the focus on the horse and their behaviour rather than on individuals in the group helps reduce anxiety and allows the client or group to explore their difficulties in a very supportive, calming and grounding environment.
Equine Facilitated Therapy
How does it work?
Equine facilitated therapy has been used in treatment centres all over the world for many years.
Initially pioneered in America, Equine facilitated therapy is now widely used in the UK and Europe. It is often integrated into a weekly programme as part of a group therapy process, though it is equally beneficial on a one-to-one basis. Well known for its use in work with addicts, it is also helpful in addressing issues that often exist alongside addiction, such as co-dependency, ADHD, psychological and emotional problems, such as grief, depression, anxiety and anger management. It is also helpful for family therapy, given that addiction often affects the entire family and not just the individual.
Equine facilitated therapy is particularly beneficial for people who have problems with:
What’s included
A carefully composed programme of care and comfort
From the moment you arrive, you are met by our expert clinical team for a full physical and psychiatric evaluation. Together, we design a tailored programme of care to address both the immediate challenges and the deeper emotional or psychological issues underlying them.
Dedicated care team
A personal team of medical staff available around the clock to provide constant support and reassurance.
Comprehensive health screening
Full assessments including blood work, personalised nutrition planning, and a tailored fitness programme.
Specialised therapies
One-to-one counselling, EMDR, equine-assisted therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), selected according to individual needs.
Complementary practices
Restorative activities such as yoga, Pilates, mindfulness, massage, and spa services to support overall wellbeing.
Nutritional excellence
Time to relax and reflect within our 13-hectare private grounds, surrounded by orchards, gardens, and Mediterranean tranquillity.
Total discretion
The choice to receive therapies privately within La Casita, or to join the intimate community of up to 12 residents in the main house.
Every element of your programme is designed around you —flexible, private, and adaptive to your individual needs.
Clinical
Alternative
Physical
Our approach
How does equine facilitated therapy work?
→ EFP at Ibiza Calm takes place in a private, secluded farm in the hills of Santa Gertrudis.
→ Clients will always be accompanied by a qualified and registered psychotherapist, who is also a qualified and registered “LEAP” practitioner. If there are three people or more, there will always be two facilitators present at all times.
→ No horse experience needed.
→ Sessions take place primarily outside, and appropriate clothing is required, i.e. closed-toe shoes, no sunglasses or sun hats.
→ Clients will not be riding.
One-to-One Therapy
Different types of therapy used at the treatment centre
There are over 50 types of therapeutic approaches available; some will work better for specific conditions, whilst others can help with a broad range of issues.
Here are a few examples of the methodologies used at the treatment centre by our highly experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists. Each method is tailored to address specific issues and preferences.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Psychodynamic therapy
Explores how past experiences and unconscious emotions influence current thoughts and behaviours, aiming for deep self-awareness and insight.
Logotherapy
A form of counselling which focuses on finding meaning, recognising a positive life purpose, life values, and clear goals. Guiding the client towards identifying these within themselves.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
Targets relationship issues and interpersonal conflicts to improve communication skills and enhance social support networks.
Person-centred therapy
Also known as client-centred counselling, is a humanistic method that focuses on how individuals knowingly perceive themselves, rather than how a counsellor interprets their unconscious thoughts and actions. It focuses on the individual’s natural self-healing process.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
Integrates mindfulness techniques with cognitive-behavioural strategies to help individuals manage intense emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Gestalt therapy
A psychotherapeutic approach that emphasises personal responsibility, awareness of the present moment, and the integration of mind and body. Helping clients to focus on the present moment, rather than dwelling on past experiences, or worrying about the future.
Motivational interviewing
Employs a collaborative, goal-oriented approach to address ambivalence and enhance motivation for change, particularly in addiction treatment.
EASY STEPS TO IBIZA CALM
Admission process
step 1
Phone call
A family member or a patient calls, we will explain the time frame, suitability, our costs, and answer any other questions.
step 2
Admission assessment
An initial telephone assessment with the client.
step 3
Set a date
We give each client a date for admission and everyone is greeted by our clinical team on arrival.
You’re not alone on this journey.
The path to recovery starts with a small first step.