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Equine Therapy for Human Trafficking Survivors

Innocence Freed is currently offering indoor and outdoor, confidential, and private Equine Therapy and FBEAP (Faith-Based Equine-Assisted Philosophy) for minor and adult survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation.

What does working with horses have to do with complex trauma? Equine therapy is a powerful therapeutic approach used to help survivors of human trafficking process their trauma. Horses, with their sensitivity to human emotions, can offer unique benefits in this context. The key purposes of equine therapy for human trafficking trauma include:
  1. Emotional Regulation: Horses are non-judgmental and respond to the emotions of the person interacting with them. This helps survivors learn to regulate their emotions in a safe, non-threatening environment. As they interact with the horse, they become more aware of their emotional state, fostering self-awareness and emotional balance.
  2. Building Trust and Safety: Survivors of trafficking often experience deep mistrust and fear due to the abuse they endured. Horses, being highly intuitive, help rebuild trust. By working with a horse, survivors can practice forming safe, healthy bonds without the fear of being hurt or judged.
  3. Empowerment and Control: Many survivors feel powerless because of their traumatic experiences. Equine therapy offers an opportunity for survivors to lead and guide the horse, helping them regain a sense of control and empowerment. This experience can be a metaphor for taking charge of their own lives again.
  4. Non-Verbal Communication and Connection: Horses communicate primarily through body language, which helps survivors develop their own non-verbal communication skills. For those who struggle to verbalize their trauma, this can be a particularly effective way to express and process difficult emotions.
  5. Stress Reduction and Grounding: Being in nature and interacting with a horse can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Horses often mirror the emotions of the person they interact with, helping survivors stay grounded and present in the moment.

Innocence Freed is unique in providing animal-assisted therapy specifically tailored for survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation, as there are currently no other facilities offering these services in Nebraska.

FBEAP (Faith-Based Equine-Assisted Philosophy) is grounded in both biblical teachings and the natural instincts of wild herd behavior, drawing parallels between the two to help people achieve spiritual and emotional healing. Here’s an explanation of the approach:

1. Biblical Foundations

The core of FBEAP is rooted in Christian principles, specifically the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of the Bible. The process focuses on:

  • Exposing unhealthy thought patterns: This reflects the biblical call for self-examination, as seen in verses like Romans 12:2, which speaks of renewing the mind to align with God’s will.
  • Replacing with healthy, Biblical thought patterns: This echoes the idea that God’s truth brings healing and freedom (John 8:32). By adopting Biblical principles, individuals are set free to live the life God intended for them, filled with peace, purpose, and direction.

2. Herd Behavior

FBEAP also draws from the wisdom of horse herd dynamics. Horses operate on clear social structures and instincts that promote balance, safety, and harmony within the herd. Partnering with horses in FBEAP creates an opportunity to:

  • Mirror human emotions and behaviors: Horses are incredibly sensitive to their environment and can reflect a person’s emotional state, providing immediate, non-verbal feedback.
  • Highlight unhealthy patterns: Just as a herd instinctively eliminates threats to its well-being, working with horses helps identify and “expose” destructive thought patterns or relational dynamics that may be hindering personal growth.
  • Encourage healthy behavior: The way a wild herd collaborates and thrives can serve as a model for adopting healthier, cooperative behaviors in our own lives.

3. The Holy Spirit and Horses as Partners

The unique combination of horses and the Holy Spirit in FBEAP allows for a gentle, non-intrusive approach to spiritual and emotional healing:

  • Horses act as mirrors of human behavior, providing insight into areas where change is needed.
  • The Holy Spirit guides the process, enabling individuals to discern God’s will and align their thoughts and behaviors with His word, creating transformation from within.

Together, this approach is designed to guide individuals away from damaging patterns of thinking and behavior, replacing them with biblically-based truths and spirit-led freedom, helping people step into the life God has called them to live.

Please reach out to us for availability for one or a small group. Classes are offered to accommodate you.
Email us to sign up for classes at info@innocencefreed.org or call us at 402-822-3733