Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

Horses have been used for therapeutic purposes since the time of the ancient Greeks. The Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine," wrote about the therapeutic potential of horseback riding. Equine-assisted psychotherapy incorporates horses into the therapeutic process. People engage in activities such as grooming, feeding, and leading a horse while being supervised by a mental health professional.

Horses are HEALING! Come experience the transformative power of horses through our equine therapy program. With gentle, guided therapy, our horses provide a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to connect, heal, and rediscover their inner strength. Whether you're seeking personal growth, or emotional healing, our program helps foster deep connections that promote lasting change. Our horses offer a unique opportunity to overcome challenges, build confidence, and embrace the healing process.

I've co-facilitated equine assisted psychotherapy sessions since 2010 as an equine professional and since 2023 as a clinician. I've received training from organizations including PATH International, EAGALA, Natural Lifemanship, and OK Corral. The equine assisted sessions lend an organically somatic and experiential lens to sessions that is immediate and relational. Especially for clients who would rather move and do than sit and talk, it can be a highly effective way to get "unstuck."

With my team of rescue horses I aim to allow clients to engage with and enjoy horses in varying levels, from sitting and watching them from afar to brushing and walking them with consent. The focus is on relationship and trust building.

I received a graduate certificate in Equine Assisted Mental Health and have worked in the equine assisted therapy field in some capacity for over ten years. I am trained in equine assisted EMDR through equilateral. I am also a PATH intl. certified therapeutic riding instructor.

Utilizing horses in the therapy session allows for a unique way to address internal feelings and communication. The horse(s) joins the session in a way that fits the specific needs of each client, whether it is building self-esteem, working through anger issues or developing healthier communication skills.

I partner with a local EAP barn to provide the wodner of healing trauma with horses.

PATH Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning

Equine Assisted Life Coaching holds a variety of opportunities in connecting with your inner child, your inner playfulness and innocence, increasing your own self awareness, and learning to enhance your communication in relationships. Equine is a great therapeutic activity for those who have low self esteem, have relationship issues, have difficulty communicating how they are feeling, have been engaging in substance use, or are interested in connecting to animals and nature as a coping skill.

Professionals guide clients through activities with horses. There are different kinds of equine programs, and they have different goals for the people involved. Some programs are part of mental health treatment. In other cases, clients ride horses as part of a physical or occupational therapy regimen. Equine therapy programs can help treat: behavioral problems, relationship issues, grief, anxiety, depression, ADHA, addiction, eating disorders, and more.

I am an Eagala Certified Equine Therapist trained to implement a distinctive experiential framework designed to provide you with the latitude to discover, learn, and grow from the horse-human relationship. Through this framework, you will learn about yourself and others by participating in physical activities involving horses while discussing thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, and patterns. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is ground-based work and does not involve mounting or riding horses.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy utilizes the horse as a tool in the therapeutic process. I am a PATH certified therapeutic horseback riding instructor as well as EAGALA trained in EAP.

EAP incorporates the mighty, empathic, and spiritual presence of horses into psychotherapy. Horses outwardly mirror what we feel inside in a way that is nonjudgmental, sensitive, and pure. They bond with us nonverbally in a special relationship that leaves many feeling profoundly seen and understood. I worked with youth survivors at a horse ranch and rescue for over 6 years before completing 3 years of clinical internship at an Equine Assisted Therapy program for youth in crisis.