What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
EAP incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning. Professional therapy teams which include a licensed therapist, horse professional 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.
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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 is the local Eagala networking coordinator. 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
Karen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Karen's background in crisis intervention, trauma healing, and family systems brings added versatility to our therapy team. Karen is also trained in EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. Karen is also an Eagala individually designated military provider of the VA's Adaptive Sports Grant.
Deanna Kiester, MC, LAC
Eagala Certified Professional since 2011
With over 10 years experience in counseling and personal development, Deanna is a trauma informed Licensed Associate Counselor working towards professional licensure. After many years of experience working with horses she became dually certified through the Eagala as both a Mental Health Professional and Equine Specialist. Deanna is also an Eagala individually designated military provider of the VA's Adaptive Sports Grant.
Jessica Breznak-Higgins, MA, MC, LPC, NCC
Eagala Certified Professional since 2008​​​
Jessica has over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She holds two Master’s degrees in Clinical and Humanistic Psychology and Professional Counseling. As a fully licensed practitioner, Jessica works with a variety of therapeutic issues, including complex trauma/childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, or just generally feeling "stuck!" Jessica uses humor, as well as a variety of experiential therapy techniques to assist clients in processing through their struggles. Bringing a unique point of view as she is both a fully licensed therapist, as well as an experienced and active member of the equine community.
Dale King, LMSW, Equine Specialist
Eagala Certified Professional since 2008
Dale has over 15 years of experience with Eagala and has been involved with horses for a significant portion of her life.
She brings to the arena both her equine skills and experience in early childhood intervention. Dale has worked with groups, individuals, and in family settings. Over the years, Dale has assisted all age groups, including families throughout her profession.​​
Danica Milan, LAC
Eagala Certified Professional since 2021
Danica holds a masters degree in professional counseling and is a Licensed Associate Counselor. She is currently working towards her professional license as well as 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. Now a recent graduate with a degree in Equine Science she 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 a veteran, it was an organic and obvious choice to become an Eagala individually designated military provider of the VA's Adaptive Sports Grant.
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.