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
A Licensed Professional Counselor and the founder and clinical director of The Heart of the Matter, PLLC. Certified as a mental health professional and equine specialist in The EAGALA Model and is the local Eagala networking coordinator.
Brendan Rodrigues
EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist
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.
Karen Gerdes, LMFT
EAGALA Certified Professional since 2009
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.
Deanna Kiester, MC, LAC
EAGALA Certified Professional since 2011
With over 10 years experience in counseling and personal development she holds a Masters Degree in Professional Counseling and is trauma informed. After many years of experience working with horses she became dually certified through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association as both a Mental Health Professional and Equine Specialist.
Jessica Breznak-Higgins, MA, MC, LPC, NCC
EAGALA Certified Professional since 2008​​​
Over 12 years experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. 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
Over 12 years of experience with EAGALA and has been involved with horses for a significant portion of her life. She has worked with groups, individuals, and in family settings. Over the years, Dale has assisted all age groups through her profession.​​
Danica Milan, LAC
EAGALA Certified Professional
Bio Coming Soon
Paige Newsom
Started off their journey helping with group sessions in 2023, transitioning to an EAGALA Equine Specialist 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 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, transitioning to a Mental Health Professional role in EAGALA
Amanda Meadows
The Heart of The Matters Intern, graduating this Fall 2024 with a degree in Equine Science. Getting her certification to become an equine specialist on the Eagala team where she'd like to work with individuals and groups dealing with grief & trauma. As a Veteran, she is working towards getting her designation for the military program helping Veterans & their families.
Kasey Estes
Born and raised in Arizona and 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”.