Treatment
Equine- facilitated psychotherapy in Ibiza
At Ibiza Calm, we understand that true recovery is a multi-layered journey – one that requires a deeply personalised and integrated approach.
As part of our wider therapeutic programme, equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) is offered alongside other approaches, including one-to-one therapy, group sessions, holistic treatments, and expert medical care.
Whether you are navigating addiction, trauma, anxiety, burnout, or emotional distress, EFP offers a safe, supportive space to explore your feelings, build resilience, and develop healthier patterns of relating to yourself and others.
Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to supporting you through this journey with compassion, professionalism, and expertise throughout treatment and beyond.
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.
What is equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP)?
Equine-facilitated psychotherapy is a unique, experiential therapy in which you interact with horses under the guidance of a highly trained, dual-qualified psychotherapist and registered LEAP practitioner.
Unlike riding, these sessions take place on the ground, focusing on building trust, self-awareness, and emotional insight by connecting with horses in their natural environment.
People typically learn best by ‘doing’.
Life lessons have a deeper impact when individuals understand them intellectually and, more importantly, experience them in their bodies, fostering a deeper sense of curiosity and openness to learning.
Working with horses is both engaging and hands-on, and the benefits of this approach are often felt immediately.
Many clients report feeling more calm and better able to communicate and express themselves more openly after
sessions.
EFP helps individuals in recovery learn more about themselves and others by discussing and processing their feelings and behaviours, thereby recognising underlying patterns they may not have noticed before.
At Ibiza Calm, EFP can be integrated into your treatment programme to help actively support your healing journey and motivate progress.
Equine Facilitated Therapy
Why horses?
Horses are highly intuitive, social animals.
Sensitive to intent and emotion, they offer honest and immediate feedback – mirroring your feelings and behaviours without judgement.
Horses have defined roles within their herds and, just like humans, are social animals that need interaction with their peers to remain happy and healthy.
These animals 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 or prepare their own food, so they rely on humans to do this for them.
Attending to their needs requires a level of discipline and responsibility – two important aspects that can help aid recovery, offering a sense of purpose and accountability.
Equine-facilitated therapy is a widely recognised approach often used as part of a broader treatment programme to help individuals:
→ Recognise and process emotions in a gentle, safe, and embodied way.
→ Challenge unhelpful patterns, thoughts, and beliefs.
→ Develop practical skills, such as healthy boundaries, assertiveness, and self-trust.
→ Experience true presence and a deeper sense of connection.
→ Practice responsibility, accountability and self-care.
The focus of this approach is on authentic interaction and growth, with many finding working with horses grounding, calming, and restorative, especially when other therapies feel overwhelming or inaccessible.
Equine Facilitated Therapy
How does equine-facilitated therapy work?
EFP involves engaging with horses to promote emotional growth and address a wide range of mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, through structured activities and interactions.
It has been used in treatment centres worldwide for many years, establishing its credibility as an effective, therapeutic approach in various recovery settings.
THE PATH TO RECOVERY STARTS WITH A SMALL FIRST STEP
Who can benefit from EFP?
Equine-facilitated psychotherapy is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with:
→Various types of addiction and relapse prevention.
→Anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation.
→Trauma, grief, and other significant life transitions.
→Relationship challenges, trust, and communication.
→Burnout, stress, and self-esteem issues.
→Co-dependency and responsibility.
→Identity and self-acceptance.
At our centre in Ibiza, EFP is offered as part of our broader treatment programme, guided by registered professionals, ensuring a safe, supportive environment tailored to your needs.
No previous experience with horses is necessary. Family sessions may also be organised, tailored to your needs and the specific programme you are participating in.
Our approach
What to expect from EFP sessions at Ibiza Calm
→ EFP sessions at our centre in Ibiza are held in a private, tranquil farm in the hills of Santa Gertrudis, surrounded by nature, providing a peaceful setting that enhances your experience and focus.
→ All activities are ground-based – no riding involved.
→ No prior experience with horses is required; appropriate clothing is recommended (closed-toe shoes, no sunglasses or sun hats).
→ Each session is tailored to your pace, comfort level, needs, and overall treatment plan.
Note: A qualified psychotherapist and LEAP practitioner will always accompany you during sessions, allowing you to feel more confident and enjoy the experience.
What’s included
A carefully composed programme of care and comfort
From the moment you arrive at our treatment centre in Ibiza, 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
Different types of therapy used at our treatment centre in Ibiza
At Ibiza Calm, equine-facilitated psychotherapy is one of many evidence-based modalities available to you. Your treatment plan may also include:
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and beliefs.
Psychodynamic therapy
Psychodynamic therapy enables you to explore and unpack any unconscious emotions and behaviours that may exacerbate your current struggles in a private, confidential setting with an experienced therapist.
EMDR
EMDR, which stands for eye movement desensitisation reprocessing, is a structured form of psychotherapy designed to reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories. It is recognised as an effective therapy for PTSD and other mental health conditions.
Next steps
At Ibiza Calm, we believe that true healing is not about bypassing your emotional experience, but about helping you reconnect with your sense of self, purpose, and possibility.
Equine-facilitated psychotherapy is one of many pathways we offer to help you rediscover trust, compassion, and hope within yourself and in your relationships with others.
Contact our specialist team today to learn more about equine-facilitated psychotherapy, or to discuss how our integrated recovery programme can support your unique journey to health, transformation and well being.
Frequently asked questions: Equine-facilitated psychotherapy at Ibiza Calm
What is equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) at Ibiza Calm?
Equine-facilitated psychotherapy is an experiential approach that involves interactions with horses as part of a broader treatment programme. At Ibiza Calm, EFP is used to support emotional growth, self-awareness, and healing in a safe and supportive environment.
Who can benefit from EFP at Ibiza Calm?
This approach is suitable for those struggling with various emotional issues, such as addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. No prior experience with horses is necessary.
How does EFP fit into Ibiza Calm’s overall treatment programme?
EFP is integrated as one component of Ibiza Calm’s comprehensive treatment programme, complementing other therapies such as individual counselling, group therapy, and holistic activities.
Do I need to have experience with horses to participate in EFP?
No previous experience with horses is required. Sessions are facilitated by trained professionals who ensure safety and guide participants through all interactions with the horses.
What are the benefits of equine-facilitated psychotherapy?
Individuals often report improved self-esteem, emotional regulation, communication skills, and a more profound sense of connection with themselves and others.
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.