Equine-Assisted Mental Health Counseling

Equine-assisted mental health counseling (EAMHC) is an experiential form of animal-assisted therapy that partners with horses in the mental health counseling process to achieve specific goals. Horses have evolved as partners with our human ancestors over thousands of years. They are non-predatory, intelligent, and attuned to their environment and emotions. A horse's view of the world and their environment is largely in the present, rooted in their mammalian central nervous system and need for safety (Polyvagal Theory).

EAMHC sessions do not rely solely on a person's ability to verbally process their challenges, emotions and experiences. Our verbal processing ability is only one way in which we understand our worlds and our experiences. Sessions take place in a supportive environment offering new ways of reacting, thinking, and responding. How we learn, grow, and change requires practicing new ways of being, responding, and appraising.

EAMHC sessions are delivered in a variety of formats including individual, group, family, couple and corporate team-building formats.

EAMHC sessions are based on my research study, a randomized controlled trial (n = 104), which generated significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and post-traumautic stress symptoms (Forstrom D'Agostino, 2019).  Other research studies support the efficacy of EAMHC with a variety of clinical challenges such as:

• Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms
• Anxiety, depression, anger
• Dissociative symptoms related to trauma and personality disorders
• Building self-efficacy and self-esteem building
• Social skills building and engagement
• Engaging resistant clients

Summer 2024 EAMHC Group Offering - Mondays starting July 8th for 6 weeks

5:00pm Late Childhood-Adolescent Group

6:00pm Parent's Group

7:00pm Adult Group

***Pre-screening and registration is required for participation in groups. Email [email protected] for more information, screening and registration. Early registration discount offered through June 20th.