EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY
Horses have long been considered symbols of peace and harmony with nature. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is the professional field in which one or more equines (horses, ponies) are incorporated into activities that help clients achieve self reflection and emotional growth. This experience utilizes the clients interaction with horses to generate significant and tangible learning opportunities, much of which is carried over from the traditional clinical milieu.
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WHY A HORSE?
FINDING WISDOM FROM WITHIN
Bonding with a horse is a singularly uplifting experience, giving people of all ages a chance to learn effective outlets for their fears and anxieties, while promoting leadership, communication and problem solving skills, and responsibility. As horses communicate with people and each other in unique ways, they can read a person's mood from movement and body language, and will react accordingly, giving immediate feedback to the client.
ENHANCEMENT
EQUINE ASSITED PSYCHOTHERAPY
1:1 & FAMILY COUNSELING
Taking the counseling milieu to the barn is an option for established counseling clients. Equine assisted psychotherapy is a remarkable opportunity to bring the therapeutic milieu "live", allowing the client (or family) to put into play what has been learned within counseling sessions. Horses mirror our emotions and command our presence to establish the trust needed to perform the activities, creating an atmosphere of learning to improve ones interpersonal being.
IMPROVING SELF-ESTEEM
THE GIRLS RULE!
The Girls Rule! Program empowers girls to lead lives with success, evolving their communication, trust, empowerment, and leadership. Developing these interpersonal skills is critical to establishing friendships, self-confidence, and a sense of self-worth.
IMPROVING CONFIDENCE & COMMUNICATION SKILLS
MAVERICK PROGRAM
The Maverick program is specifically tailored to teach boys to be independent, responsible and respectful. Self-esteem is the armor that protects one from the conflicts and negative pressures of life. Horses make this learning "stick," like a cowboy to the saddle. Through this program, boys will identify personal strengths and will learn better communication and problem-solving skills, respect, trust, and the importance of self esteem.