EQUINE FACILITATED PSYCHOTHERAPY

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is a form of experiential psychotherapy that includes equine(s).  It may involve, but is not limited to, a number of mutually beneficial equine activities such as leading, grooming, longeing, riding round pen activities and mindfulness.  Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy is a treatment approach that provides the client with opportunities to enhance self-awareness and re-pattern maladaptive behaviors, feelings and attitudes. 

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy may be used for people with psycho-social issues and mental health needs that result in any significant variation in cognition, mood, judgment, insight, anxiety level, perception, social skills, communication, behavior, or learning.  Examples include but are not limited to:

* Anxiety Disorders               * Addictions               * Behavioral Difficulties          * Depression                  * Divorce           
* Grief & Loss                       * Life Transitions        * Psychotic Disorders             * Mood Disorders           * Trauma 

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with an advanced therapeutic riding certification from North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA.)  I also am a member of the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association (EFMHA) and Level 2 certified with the Equine Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA.)  Additionally, I facilitate local and international workshops in Equine Facilitated Learning and Psychotherapy.

I have been in the presence of horses all my life and have witnessed their healing powers.  I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Equine Assisted Mental Health.  I’ve worked with horses in an experiential setting in conjunction with expressive arts.   Processing feelings, life skills, behaviors, non-verbal communication, teamwork, and empathy are all incorporated in sessions.  Currently I am a primary therapist at an outpatient treatment center for addictions in addition to being a staff member at TROT.