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    • Home
    • About
    • Traditional Therapy
    • Equine Asst. Therapy
    • Insurance
    • Programs
    • Specialized Services
    • Veterans Programs
    • Active Military
    • Military Sexual Trauma
    • First Responders
    • Victims of Sexual Abuse
    • Kiddo Programs
    • Adolescent Therapy
    • Chris Finch, LCSW
    • Rachel Tenney, LCSW
    • Emma Kinney, CSW
    • Sierra Burnett, APRN
    • Courtney Summers
    • Sadie Moellmer
    • Elena Abatgis
    • Contact Gallop To Growth
    • Resource Links
    • Gus' Gallery
    • Lightning's Gallery
    • Annie's Gallery
    • Rhythm's Gallery
    • Stables Contact
    • Forms
    • Steve's Gallery
    • Fred's Gallery
    • Big Ted's Gallery
  • Home
  • About
  • Traditional Therapy
  • Equine Asst. Therapy
  • Insurance
  • Programs
  • Specialized Services
  • Veterans Programs
  • Active Military
  • Military Sexual Trauma
  • First Responders
  • Victims of Sexual Abuse
  • Kiddo Programs
  • Adolescent Therapy
  • Chris Finch, LCSW
  • Rachel Tenney, LCSW
  • Emma Kinney, CSW
  • Sierra Burnett, APRN
  • Courtney Summers
  • Sadie Moellmer
  • Elena Abatgis
  • Contact Gallop To Growth
  • Resource Links
  • Gus' Gallery
  • Lightning's Gallery
  • Annie's Gallery
  • Rhythm's Gallery
  • Stables Contact
  • Forms
  • Steve's Gallery
  • Fred's Gallery
  • Big Ted's Gallery

DBT MEETS EAP! STARTS 8/29/24. ENROLL NOW!

DBT MEETS EAP! STARTS 8/29/24. ENROLL NOW!

DBT MEETS EAP! STARTS 8/29/24. ENROLL NOW!

DBT MEETS EAP! STARTS 8/29/24. ENROLL NOW!

DBT MEETS EAP! STARTS 8/29/24. ENROLL NOW!

DBT MEETS EAP! STARTS 8/29/24. ENROLL NOW!

EAP For Teenagers

  EAP provides a unique and therapeutic experience, allowing teenagers to connect with horses and learn valuable life skills while addressing their mental health challenges. Studies have shown that EAP can lead to positive behavior changes and a decrease in negative behaviors among adolescents experiencing anxiety and/or depression. Participants reported feeling less depressed and having greater psychological well-being immediately after participating in equine therapy, with benefits lasting up to six months.

Schedule Appointment

Evidence-Based Interventions

  

A meta-analysis of controlled studies investigated the impact of equine assisted interventions on psychosocial outcomes for youth. The study included 16 controlled studies published between 2009 and 2021, with a totoal of 1009 participants. Results showed a statistically significant effect for overall effectiveness of equine interventions in improving psychosocial outcomes for youth. These outcomes included were:

  • Internalizing and externalizing problems
  • Adaptive efficacy (the ability to adapt to change)

EAP Helps Teens:

  • Build independence
  • Foster self-esteem
  • Teach empathy and respect
  • Reduce irritability, agitation, and impulsivity
  • Establish routines and structure
  • Create a stronger sense of social awareness
  • Increase cooperation, emotional regulation, capacity for delay, and behavioral control
  • Reduces anxiety

How can equine assisted psychotherapy help teens?

Supplement to Traditional Therapy

Supplement to Traditional Therapy

Supplement to Traditional Therapy

EAP is often not the sole form of treatment, but rather a complementary therapeutic service to be used in partnership with more traditional treatment. Many clients are already involved in traditional therapy and add equine assisted therapy to reinforce and apply their learned therapeutic skills. The primary objective of EAP is to help people develop skills such as emotional regulation, self-confidence, and responsibility.

Emotion Regulation

Supplement to Traditional Therapy

Supplement to Traditional Therapy

Interacting with horses can help teens learn to regulate their emotions, which is crucial for effective communication. The need to remain calm and non-reactive around horses can improve their emotional awareness and self-control.

Depression

Supplement to Traditional Therapy

Social Skills

  

Depression often leads to social withdrawal and isolation. EAP provides a reason to engage with others (therapists, equine specialists, and peers). Horses are comforting social animals that can provide a source of consistency and mutual nurturance.

Social Skills

Self-Esteem and Confidence

Social Skills

Cognitive-behavioral techniques are incorporated into Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to help clients talk more freely about their emotions or anxiety without feeling constrained. 

Trust Building

Self-Esteem and Confidence

Self-Esteem and Confidence

  

Working with horses requires trust and effective communication. Teens learn to read the horse’s body language and adjust their own behavior accordingly. This skill translates to better communication with peers, family members, and authority figures. As trust develops between the teen and the horse, it can positively impact their relationships with others. 

Self-Esteem and Confidence

Self-Esteem and Confidence

Self-Esteem and Confidence

  

As teens learn to handle and connect with the horses, they often experience increased self-esteem and confidence, which can positively affect their communication abilities.

Healing from Trauma

  

For teens who have experienced trauma, equine therapy can be especially beneficial. Trauma can create emotional barriers, affecting relationships and behavior. Equine therapy helps teens process trauma and build resilience, allowing them to move forward in a healthier way.

Anger Management

Interacting with horses can help teens learn to regulate their emotions, which is crucial for effective communication. The need to remain calm and non-reactive around horses can improve their emotional awareness and self-control.

Talking With a Therapist

Talking With a Therapist

  

Equine therapy provides a unique setting where teens can express their feelings and work through issues. The presence of horses can create a calming environment, making it easier for adolescents to open up and share their emotions. 

DBT & EAP Group Starts 8/29/24! Limited Spaces, so Sign Up Now!

DBT & EAP Group Starts 8/29/24! Limited Spaces, so Sign Up Now!

DBT & EAP Group Starts 8/29/24! Limited Spaces, so Sign Up Now!

DBT & EAP Group Starts 8/29/24! Limited Spaces, so Sign Up Now!

DBT & EAP Group Starts 8/29/24! Limited Spaces, so Sign Up Now!

DBT & EAP Group Starts 8/29/24! Limited Spaces, so Sign Up Now!

EMPOWERING TEENS TO NAVIGATE THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE

Register Now

6 Week EA-DBT group for teens ages 13-17

What is DBT-EAP?

  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that combines cognitive behavioral techniques with acceptance-based strategies. It helps individuals manage intense emotions and improve their coping skills. Equine Assisted Dialectical Behavior Therapy (EA-DBT) is a specialized form of therapy that combines equine-assisted psychotherapy with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques.

This group will focus on the Four Pillars that are the foundation of DBT and provide opportunities for participants to practice these skills with the assistance of horses. 

 DBT-EAP has proven effective for various mental health conditions, including:

  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD).
  • Self-harm.
  • Suicidal behavior.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Substance use disorder.
  • Eating disorders (e.g., binge eating disorder, bulimia).
  • Depression and anxiety

Program Information

Limit 8 Participants

$500 for all 6 Sessions

Ages 13-17

One intake session required before program begins.


6 Group Sessions

Week 1: Mindfulness

Week 2: Distress Tolerance

Week 2: Distress Tolerance

  Mindfulness is a foundational pillar of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment.  Practicing mindfulness helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, allowing them to regulate their emotions effectively. 

Week 2: Distress Tolerance

Week 2: Distress Tolerance

Week 2: Distress Tolerance

  Distress tolerance is another pillar of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It focuses on helping individuals tolerate intense emotional experiences without making things worse. Distress tolerance skills include techniques for self-soothing, distraction, and acceptance. 

Week 3: Distress Tolerance

Week 2: Distress Tolerance

Week 3: Distress Tolerance

  A continuation of learning and applying Distress tolerance skills. These skills are essential for managing overwhelming emotions and crises, allowing individuals to accept emotional pain and distress without trying to change or escape it. 

Week 4: Emotion Regulation

Week 6: Interpersonal Effectiveness

Week 3: Distress Tolerance

  Emotion regulation is a key pillar of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It focuses on helping individuals understand and manage their emotions more effectively. The skills taught in this pillar include identifying emotions, reducing emotional vulnerability, increasing positive emotions, and changing emotional responses. These skills empower individuals to navigate their emotional experiences in healthier ways. 

Week 5: Emotion Regulation

Week 6: Interpersonal Effectiveness

Week 6: Interpersonal Effectiveness

  A continuation of learning and applying Emotion regulation skills including mindfulness meditation, emotion labeling, deep breathing, grounding techniques, self-soothing and opposite reaction.  These skills can be practiced in effective and unique ways with the collaboration of the horse.

Week 6: Interpersonal Effectiveness

Week 6: Interpersonal Effectiveness

Week 6: Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness is a crucial pillar in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It focuses on improving communication and relationships with others. The skills taught include assertiveness, active listening, and negotiation. These skills empower individuals to navigate social interactions more effectively and maintain healthy connections.

Facilitated by Rachel Tenney, LCSW

Rachel specializes in treating adolescents who struggle with emotion regulation and distress tolerance issues and knows the harsh consequences of not being able to manage skillfully.  Her experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and the positive outcomes she has witnessed when these models are combined compelled her to create this group.  Her 6-week program will undoubtedly change lives and relationships in a positive way!

MEET RACHEL
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