Equine- Assisted Psychotherapy & Personal Development
Chandler, Arizona
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Due to CDC Health Standards we continue to see clients with specific guidelines in place. We are doing our best to attend to our clients through safe measures and are accepting new clients.
We defer to the safety measures suggested by the CDC.
If you would like to learn more about the current CDC Standards
Like all of us, our website is a work in progress. Please check back soon to see what new things are happening.
What is the EAGALA Model of
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy ?
There are several models of Equine -Assisted Psychotherapy. In The EAGALA Model we incorporate a team approach that includes a licensed mental health professional, an equine specialist, and horses. EAP has been proven to have a profound impact on individuals, couples, and groups. At The Heart of the Matter all of our teams are Eagala certified. For complete information visit www.eagala.org.
​
Founded in September 2009, Shawn Rodrigues, LPC began The Heart of the Matter, PLLC as an "additional service" to augment her in office therapy practice. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) quickly became the focus of the program. Now approximately 90% of all sessions held at The Heart of the Matter are in the arena, conducted in the EAGALA Model.
​
The horses provide a canvas on which the client can project their reality, their story, their pain, and their joy. We meet our clients where they are and ask that they see the world through the lens of information - not judgment.
​

The Heart of the Matter, PLLC provides individual, group, and family counseling as the primary source of therapy. We also work as part of larger therapy teams to meet the needs of those with more complex challenges.
specialist

In addition to our equine colleagues, the human staff are qualified to provide a safe, therapeutic environment. We work together to create a unique session for each individual, group, and family.

"Horses carry the wisdom of healing in their hearts and offer it to any human who possesses the humility to listen."
COMING SOON
Parenting from the Pasture
​
Young Adult Support Group (17-23)
​
LGBTQ Group
​
Veterans Group
​
