What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
EAP incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning. Professional therapy teams which include a licensed mental health professional, an equine specialist and a horse, assist participants with a variety of mental health issues, including abuse, anger management, trauma, PTSD, self-injury, OCD, anxiety, depression and ADHD. The horses provide a powerful catalyst for insight, change, and personal growth. Many of lifes challenges make themselves apparent quickly through activities with the horses. The client is then able to take responsibility for exploring new manners of coping and being in relationship with their world.
EAP treatment teams are Eagala* certified. EAP takes place on the ground. This requires the clients to use a variety of skills to achieve the desired reactions and interactions from the horses. As treatment progresses, clients become aware of faulty thinking patterns, actions, and reactions. They learn to solve problems, improve communication skills, self-regulate, and are able to identify and change unhealthy behaviors and perceptions. Participants develop a sense of empowerment and responsibility. Typical outcomes include development of increased self-esteem, hard work ethic, and leadership skills as well as self control and awareness. At the heart of each session is a focus on building character and internalizing character values.
We also work cooperatively with local social service agencies and mental health agencies.
*Content adapted from Fundamentals of EAGALA Model Practice Manual published by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. For further information visit www.eagala.org
Our Staff
Shawn Rodrigues, LPC
Eagala Certified Professional since 2006
Shawn is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the founder and clinical director of The Heart of the Matter, PLLC. She is certified as a mental health professional and equine specialist in The Eagala Model of equine assisted psychotherapy and has served as the local Eagala networking coordinator for over a decade. Shawn's foundation is in Gestalt therapy. She integrates mindfulness, Accelerated Resolution Therapy and The Safe and Sound Protocol into her EAP work. Shawn is also an Eagala individually designated military provider of the VA's Adaptive Sports Grant (ASG). *The Heart of the Matter is the only Military Designated Facility provider of the VA's ASG in Arizona.
Brendan Rodrigues
Eagala Certified Professional since 2013
Brendan comes to us from a 25 year career coaching swimmers (and their parents). From itty-bitties to the elite athlete, he brings to the arena skills for team, relationship and communication building and adds a much needed male element to our otherwise female staff. Brendan is also the ranch manager and tends to the daily care of the horses and has a unique perspective as an equine specialist.
Karen Gerdes, LMFT
Eagala Certified Professional since 2009
Meet Karen, a dedicated therapist who understands the intricate dynamics of family and trauma. Raised in a unique environment, Karen spent her childhood moving frequently and was shaped by the experiences of being raised by her Ex-Prisoner of War parent. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Karen has devoted her career supporting families in crisis, including those involved in foster care, adoption, and victim recovery. Her innovative approach combines traditional therapy with the healing power of horses through the EAGALA model, promoting deep connections and healing for families. Models she weaves into her Eagala work include psychotherapy models she uses in addition to the EAGALA model are Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Parts work include elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS), The Family Systems Trauma model, Eye Movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Mindfulness based practices. Karen is also an Eagala individually designated provider of military services.
Dale King, LMSW, Equine Specialist
Eagala Certified Professional since 2008
Dale has over 20 years of experience working with children and families across a range of settings, including early intervention, clinical therapy, and equine-assisted psychotherapy. She has trained professionals in early childhood brain development and continues her work in early intervention, supporting young children and their families.
Dale spent more than 10 years in clinical therapy, including work with families involved in the DCS system. She also has over 18 years of experience with Eagala, integrating her lifelong involvement with horses into her work. Today, she focuses on parenting and child development, combining her clinical and equine expertise to support families.
Danica Milan, LAC
Eagala Certified Professional since 2021
Danica holds a masters degree in professional counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is currently working towards her doctorate degree in general psychology with an emphasis on performance psychology. Danica's passion to work with athletes started at a young age as she herself was a collegiate athlete. Danica enjoys working with children and young adults, addressing athletic challenges, chronic illnesses and injuries.
Paige Newsom
Eagala Certified Professional since 2023
Paige began their journey helping with group sessions in early 2023 and shifted into an equine specialist role in December 2023. Born and raised in Arizona, residing most of their childhood in Mesa, Paige loves to spend time with animals, working with children with Autism at a local clinic, spending time outdoors, occasionally exploring their creative side, and practicing how to “just be". Paige is working on their undergraduate degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management and their accreditation in Recreational Therapy. After graduating, they hope to return to University to complete a Masters in Counseling, and eventually transition to a Mental Health Professional role in the Eagala model.
Amanda Meadows
Eagala Certified Professional since 2024
Amanda joined the Heart of The Matter as an intern. A recent graduate with a degree in Equine Science she now plays the role of equine specialist. While Amanda works with all populations at The Heart of the Matter, her passion is working with those struggling with with grief & trauma. As an Air Force veteran, it was an organic and obvious choice to become an Eagala individually designated military provider of the VA's Adaptive Sports Grant. Amanda's program, Grit and Grace Equine is based in Dewey, Arizona and works in collaboration with The Heart of the Matter. For information on Grit and Grace please visit: www.gritandgraceequine.com
Kasey Estes
Born and raised in Arizona, Kasey received her undergraduate degree from New York University. Before joining the Heart of the Matter team in 2020, Kasey spent the first part of her professional career in the insurance industry. Kasey provides administration & support services to the practice and fondly embraces her title of “Girl Friday”. Kasey is well versed in all things Eagala and The Heart of the Matter.