What is EAP?
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) that uses horses in a safe and controlled environment where clients engage in activities like grooming, feeding, and leading them helping the client develop trust, communication, and problem-solving skills. Clients learn to improve their relationships with others, regulate their emotions, and build self-esteem. EAP has been shown to be effective treating clients with anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mood disorders.
EAP is an evidenced based therapy and has been shown to be effective and helps clients:
· Build confidence, self-awareness, and social skills.
· Provide Unique non-verbal opportunities for the client to enhance self-awareness, recognize maladaptive behaviors, identify negative feelings, and face self-defeating cognitions.
· Increase cognitive skills, reduces stress, eases symptoms of PTSD, and addresses.
eagala
Military Service Provider Designation
Military Service Provider Designation
The eagala model is a form of equine-assisted psychotherapy that involves a team of a licensed mental health professional, a qualified equine specialist, and horses working together with the client in an arena. The client interacts with the horses on the ground, without riding or touching them, and engages in various activities or tasks
The eagala model is a form of equine-assisted psychotherapy that involves a team of a licensed mental health professional, a qualified equine specialist, and horses working together with the client in an arena. The client interacts with the horses on the ground, without riding or touching them, and engages in various activities or tasks that are designed to address their treatment goals. The horses act as metaphors and mirrors for the client’s emotions, behaviors, and relationships, providing them with immediate and honest feedback. The mental health professional and the equine specialist observe and facilitate the process, but do not interpret or direct it. They believe that the client has the ability to find their own solutions within themselves, and they support them in discovering and applying them. The eagala model is based on experiential learning, client-centered therapy, and solution focused therapy.
Military Service Provider Designation
Military Service Provider Designation
Military Service Provider Designation
eagala's Military Services Designation raises the bar for equine-assisted psychotherapy for active military, reserves, veterans, and their families. The eagala Military Services Designation is unique in the equine-assisted therapy world. With the eagala Model as the foundation, eagala Military Services Providers are specially credentialed with a deep understanding of military culture and life.
PATH, Intl.
Military Service Provider Designation
PATH, Intl.
PATH, Intl., which stands for Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, is a non-profit organization that promotes equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs. PATH, Intl. aims to improve the quality of life and health of its participants by providing education, accreditati
PATH, Intl., which stands for Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, is a non-profit organization that promotes equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs. PATH, Intl. aims to improve the quality of life and health of its participants by providing education, accreditation, certification, and resources to its members, who include instructors, centers, volunteers, and equines. PATH, Intl. was founded in 1969 and has over 4,800 certified instructors and 873 member centers around the world.
ARCH
Natural Lifemanship
H.E.A.L.
ARCH Arenas for Change is a non-profit organization that provides equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy (EAL/EAP) to individuals, groups, and families in need. ARCH stands for Animal Related Change and Healing, and reflects the organization’s mission to use the power of the human-animal bond to foster positive change and healing.
H.E.A.L.
Natural Lifemanship
H.E.A.L.
The HEAL Model™ uses a set of interrelated principles for understanding and managing emotion in ourselves and others, that we call “Six Keys to Relationship”. Each “key” provides a strategy for solving the most common interpersonal dilemmas, such as poor boundaries or negative self-esteem.
Natural Lifemanship
Natural Lifemanship
Natural Lifemanship
Natural Lifemanship (NL), is a trauma-informed approach to helping humans, horses and other animals through a model of equine-assisted learning, therapy, and psychotherapy that fosters growth and healing through connected relationships.
Benefits of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
· Assertiveness
· Confidence
· Developing and maintaining relationships
· Emotional awareness
· Empathy
· Impulse control
· Problem-solving skills
· Social skills
· Trust in others
· Trust in self
· Adaptability
· Distress tolerance
· Emotional awareness
· Independence
· Impulse control
· Self-esteem
· Social awareness
· Social relationships
Horses cultivate emotional safety. In the safe environment created by the non-judgmental presence of horses, you feel inspired to open up. You engage and move and respond. You may realize you have feelings and behaviors you were not aware of and that you want to change. In this safe space, you become open to discovering resources and strengths you didn’t realize you had. Overcome perceived obstacles and take control of your life. Incorporate horses in your mental health care and safely manage overwhelming emotions. Come through stronger than ever.
Meet our Staff
Chris Finch, LCSW, ASUDC
Chris Finch, LCSW, ASUDC
Chris Finch, LCSW, ASUDC
Founder and Equine Assisted Psychotherapist
Rachel Tenney, LCSW
Chris Finch, LCSW, ASUDC
Chris Finch, LCSW, ASUDC
Equine Assisted Psychotherapist
Emma Kinney, CSW
Chris Finch, LCSW, ASUDC
Sierra Burnett, APRN
Equine Assisted Psychotherapist
Sierra Burnett, APRN
Chris Finch, LCSW, ASUDC
Sierra Burnett, APRN
Nurse Practitioner Holistic Equine Specialist
Meet our Horses
Gus
Lightning
Lightning
Gus is a 5-year-old dark bay mustang gelding adopted from the BLM. He's a little guy, but don't tell him that, he won't believe you! His energy, playful spirit, and curiosity make up for his size. He's also quite the charmer!
Lightning
Lightning
Lightning
Lightning is a 13-year-old red roan Quarter Horse gelding who lives up to his name...when he wants to. He believes he's a lover boy and will let you know it! Another charmer that will melt your heart!
Annie
Lightning
Rhythm
Annie is a 10-year-old red roan Quarter Horse mare and is the biggest sweetheart of the herd. She's also quite literally the biggest of the herd, and the rest know it! She loves giving and receiving affectionate attention and will let you know when she's not getting enough!
Rhythm
Lightning
Rhythm
Rhythm is a 6-year-old sorrel mustang mare adopted from the BLM. She's a quiet and observant horse when in her stall, but when turned out and plays with the others, she runs with spunk...and rhythm!
Our Facility
Gallop To Growth Stables
Our stable is a dedicated therapy facility, not an equestrian center. Our clients have a safe and intimate space to heal and develop the coping skills with the assistance of horses who are the mirror of souls.
Rain or shine, our horses are ready for you.
Indoors
Outdoors
Outdoors
Outdoors
Outdoors
Outdoors