Although we provide traditional types of counseling services, we specialize in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Facilitated EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) for children, adolescents, individuals and families. Both of these modalities are unique in nature and have typically been more successful with clients of all ages as opposed to the more traditional "talk" modalities; especially with the more resistant clients. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals. Equine-Facilitated EMDR (EF-EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that integrates two powerful and efficacious treatment modalities: EMDR and Equine-Facilitated Therapy. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a phased, scientifically validated, and integrative psychotherapy approach effective for resolving traumatic life experiences. Issues helped by EMDR include the following: post-traumatic stress,
anxiety or panic, phobias, fears, low self-esteem, childhood trauma, emotional, physical, sexual abuse, sleep problems, witness to violence, performance anxiety. EMDR is a comprehensive modality that easily lends itself to the inclusion of Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy. Through EF-EMDR, clients can experience releasing beliefs and behaviors that had contributed to their anxiety, sadness, anger, and fear. Working with the horses helps clients feel empowered, increase their self-esteem, learn to set boundaries, and express their needs. Why Horses? Naturally intimidating to many, horses are large and powerful. This creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. Working alongside a horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides wonderful insight when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life. Most importantly, horses mirror human body language. Many complain, "This horse is stubborn. That horse doesn't like me," etc. The lesson is that if they change themselves, the horses respond differently. Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers.
