FAQs

What is equine assisted counseling?

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, or EAP, is one of the most effective forms of experiential therapies. EAP uses interactive activities in place of traditional sessions where you "talk"and a therapist "listens." People just like you are choosing these services because they are able to get better results in a shorter amount of time than with traditional services. Not only does EAP work, it is much more enjoyable than typical talk therapy. With EAP, sessions are designed to meet your unique needs.

Why horses?

Healing and change takes more than talking. Horses are highly intuitive and sensitive beings who have a special ability to connect in ways that help you become present-focused, to identify your feelings, and to work through emotional and behavioral barriers without shame or stigma. Horses are large and powerful, and it is hard to ignore their presence - much like a seemingly impossible life issue. As such, horses can provide a metaphor for events or situations in your life. Difficult feelings and situations cannot always be put into words, and sometimes it's better not to try. Bringing horses into the treatment process compels you to be in the present moment, so that you aren’t focusing on the past or worrying about the future, but dealing with what’s going on now. This allows you to look at your life with clarity and groundedness. Physically engaging with horses while you are also processing what’s going on emotionally, you have the opportunity to “rewrite” your life stories and move forward. Horses provide a relationship for safe healing to occur, even without verbalizing. An innovative approach that goes beyond traditional therapy.  A powerful metaphor for situations in your life. Because of their size, innate and acute sensitivity, and non-verbal nature, horses have a unique appeal helping clients of all ages become more engaged in the psychotherapy process.

What kinds of problems does equine assisted counseling help?

Individual sessions are suitable for those who want to: 

• overcome addiction

• trauma, or PTSD

• adolescent issues

• work on boundaries

• let go of guilt, loss, depression, frustration, and discouragement

• build confidence in themselves

• discover hope for the future

• mend broken relationships

• improve organizational effectiveness, build teamwork 

• enhance performance

and much more.

What do I wear to my appointment?

If working with horses, dress accordingly for working with horses in the barn, pasture or arena. Shoes that cover your toes are essential.

Do I need riding experience?

No. Equine assisted counseling is not about riding or horsemanship. In fact, all activities are on the ground.

What ages do you see?

Ages 12 and up.

If I am scared of horses is this right for me?

Sometimes clients are afraid of horses because they have not had experience with them or because they have had bad experiences with them (they are big!). Our team does everything we can to make you feel safe by choosing safe horses and never leaving you alone. This can be a good way to address your fear - much like addressing that big obstacle in your life. Miniature horses and donkeys are a great way to start- besides they are pretty cute!

Can you provide traditional in office counseling?

Horses may not always be the best fit for a client's issue or the only method of counseling used for a client's overall treatment plan. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy can be weather dependent as well.  For these reasons,  I also offer in office counseling where I utilize many different approaches tailored for individual needs.  My approach to counseling that has developed over many years is an eclectic approach. Some methods and modalities that I draw from are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Reprocessing Therapy, Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Person Centered Therapy. Feel free to contact me to see if we are able to help you.