GolDun Ridge Ranch
Foundation Quarter Horses

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Sessions

Provided by:

Silver Lining Counseling & Equine Assisted Therapy Services, LLC

Chantelle Benko, LMSW

EAGALA Dual Certified

Mental Health Professional & Equine Specialist

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Many insurances are currently being accepted

Private Pay Options of $150 per 60 min Individual Therapy Session

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EAP sessions are offered spring (April/May) through fall (Oct/Nov) on the ranch and are contingent upon the weather. 

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What is EAP?

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a unique & effective way to work towards inner healing from a variety of issues including (but not limited to): anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, PTSD, relationship struggles, and substance use/abuse. EAP is currently offered at GolDun Ridge Ranch spring through fall to clients 14+ years of age.

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With this model of treatment, clients are observed to have a deep and profound experience where their stories naturally begin to shift as their brains begin to make the connections and get “unstuck” while resulting in a healthier balance between the mind, body, and spirit. 

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No Riding. All work is done on the ground, so no previous horse experience is necessary to participate. Horses are able to interact freely with clients & clients are able to get as close or as far away from them as they choose. While many clients opt to enter the pasture and share space with the horses during their session; this model of treatment is also effective for those who choose to observe the horses from outside of the space as well. Health and safety are always a top priority, so creating an environment that promotes this for both our clients & equine partners is of continuous consideration.  

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EAP is a form of experiential therapy where the client is able to process their emotions while observing behaviors amongst horses in their natural environment. This approach allows the horses to be used in a metaphorical sense where the client’s story gets put onto the horses and the horse’s behaviors versus the client feeling pressured to talk about their own vulnerable thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that often times keep them stuck from making progress in their healing & growth journey. 

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Each session is specifically tailored to fit the client's needs based on a communicated objective or treatment goal that they are working towards. The therapist safely holds space and provides the clinical guidance needed for the client to do their processing. Clients seek answers & find their own solutions to overcome challenges by being the expert in their own lives as they experience their stories and emotions in real time with the horses.

  

Why Horses?

As a prey animal, horses have developed very keen senses that pick up on anything that enters their environment. Horses are the perfect partner because they are highly sensitive and mirror back the emotions people bring into their space. Each horse also has their own personality (just as people do) so different horses also react differently to each person and situation.

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Horses are large, powerful creatures who can't just be physically controlled. Learning how to approach & interact with our equine partners can help us reflect upon how we approach our relationships and how we can face other big or overwhelming challenges in our lives.  Horses give immediate feedback & provide clients the ability to work through their life struggles by interacting with them without the feeling of judgment. They are intelligent prey animals that have evolved to be extremely sensitive to their environment so they can evade predators and are always moving towards energy & space where they feel most comfortable & safe. They instinctively analyze and react to our body language and other nonverbal cues providing us with instant reactions and responses that offer insights into other areas of our lives.

 

If you are interested in learning more, have questions, or would like to inquire about appointment availability, please feel free to email Chantelle Benko at chantelle@counselingcenterwm.org

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*All pictures shared, are done so with the expressed consent of the individuals included in them