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.
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 from the horses.
As treatment progresses clients become aware of faulty thinking patterns, actions, and reactions. They learn to solve problems, improve communication skills, 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.
The Heart of the Matter also works cooperatively with 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
Group Opportunities
Circle of Friends
The primary goals of the Pony Express group are emotion recognition and regulation, and development of communication and social skills. Team, character, and life skill building as well as mindfulness are organically woven into the program as well. Our experience is that the skills learned in the arena will be reflected in the participants’ overall functioning in their world. Along with these skills, we see increased self-esteem and ability to connect with self and with others. All sessions take place in the arena with the horses.
*The first 10 minutes of this group is a supervised informal gathering of the participants. This allows for organic observation of connection and communication prior to session.
Ages: 7-9
Fee: $75/session
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Summer:
Tuesdays 5:30 - 6:45 pm
Next group: May 30 - July 25
*Intake required to determine appropriateness for this group.
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Fall: Check back or reach out for fall dates and times
Pony Express 9-12 year olds
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The primary goals of the Pony Express group are emotion recognition and regulation, and development of communication and social skills. Team, character, and life skill building as well as mindfulness are organically woven into the program as well. Our experience is that the skills learned in the arena will be reflected in the participants’ overall functioning in their world. Along with these skills, we see increased self-esteem and ability to connect with self and with others. All sessions take place in the arena with the horses.
*The first 10 minutes of this group is a supervised informal gathering of the participants. This allows for organic observation of connection and communication prior to session.
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Ages: 9-12
Fee: $75/session
Thursdays 5:30-7:00 pm
Next group: June 1 - July 20
*Intake required to determine appropriateness for this group.
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Fall: Check back or reach out for fall dates and times
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Teen Group
Our young people need to develop resilience if they are going to move into the world successfully. This group is for the 13-17 year old who may need assistance and support navigating the many challenges of the teen years and beyond. Core elements addressed will be emotion recognition and regulation, strengthening communication skills, development of coping skills, character and leadership development. Additional topics to be explored as the teens bring their own challenges to the group. All sessions take place in the arena with the horses.
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Ages:13-17
Fee: $75/session
Tuesdays 5:30-7:00 pm
Next group: FALL - Check back or reach out for dates and times.
*Intake required to determine appropriateness for this group.
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Many struggles in life center on communication and relationships with friends, family, coworkers, self - even the environment in which one works or lives. EAL/Personal development sessions are beneficial for anyone seeking insight and awareness into the workings of their life.
Couples and families benefit from increased positive communication and insights gained during arena sessions. Individuals can identify the barriers that may be keeping them stuck personally and professionally.
The experiential nature of EAL allows for immediate awareness and growth that seldom occurs within the confines of an office, boardroom, or family home. Team building workshops can be beneficial in increasing productivity in the workplace by improving communication, respect, and support. Hidden conflicts are brought into awareness and addressed in an environment that fosters respect while allowing for expression of concerns and difficulties. Most groups report immediate and beneficial change in their overall interactions in the home, workplace or boardroom.
Equine Assisted Learning/Personal Development
Team Building
Workshops
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FREE Community workshop
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For those who are curious and would like to learn more about EAP/EAL in a hands on setting. This workshop is interactive and includes an educational element.
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Dates and times TBA - Check back or email us to be put on the list to be notified.
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Parenting from the Pasture
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Let the horses assist you in developing new ways of communicating and being in a relationship with your child/adolescent.
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Dates and times TBA - Check back or email us to be put on the list to be notified.
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