Healing Trauma with Horses

Traumatized humans usually have higher cortisol rates (van der Kolk, 2014 etc.). Oxytoxin leads to a decrease in stress-associated behaviors, and facilitates post-traumatic growth, ultimately leading to increased resilience, through improved social cohesion and attachment. (source: « What’s Love Got to do with it: Role of oxytocin in trauma, attachment and resilience » Sharma et al, 2020)

Below, excerpts of my final presentation for my « Animals and Human Health » Certificate course at the University of Denver Institute for Human Animal Connection. (EAT = Equine Assisted Therapy)

« Talma » does not always consent spontaneously, but is willing to « discuss » it and ends up enjoying grooming