Healing Starts Here
What is Equine Counseling?
There are many terms to describe what we do… Equine-assisted Psychotherapy, Equine Facilitated Learning, Equine-assisted Therapy, and simply Equine Therapy. These terms while sounding similar can mean very different things. For example, some may be long term therapy (Psychotherapy), some may NOT include a licensed mental health professional (Equine Facilitated Learning or Coaching), and some may mean the individual rides on a horse for help with physical therapy (Hippotherapy). All of these are wonderful forms of therapy to fit specific needs.
The term we use is Equine-assisted Counseling, which means a licensed mental health professional uses the assistance of horses while working with a client who expresses a desire for mental health change. This type of therapy is a powerful way to get in touch with thoughts and feelings. Rather than trying to talk and think your way out of a problem, you use your body, energy and heart while working with a horse(s) to feel and react in the moment, which reaches far beyond simply talking about challenges. Together with a horse(s), you will practice new approaches and learn new skills that may help you recognize new strengths. Using this method, shifts and changes often come easier than with traditional therapy.
Most of our work is done on the ground… shoulder to shoulder, nose to nose, because that’s where the relationship lives. Being prey animals, horses are naturally insightful at reading our energy, body language and even our intentions. Fortunately, they do not judge or criticize. They simply respond to our actions, in a very honest, authentic way. Often, this is where awareness begins and our progress soars.
If you have more questions, we have answers.
Location
Saving Grace Farms
Saving Grace Farms is located on Highway 72 West between Bentonville and Hiwasse Arkansas.
Saving Grace Farms
12139 W Hwy 72
Bentonville AR 72712
Click on the map to open Google Maps on your phone.
What to Expect
Our equine sessions take place with a licensed mental health professional, one or more horses, and may or may not also include a certified equine specialist. Sessions take place on the ground (meaning there is no riding of horses), so no horse experience is necessary prior to your first session. Sessions are scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly for 53 minutes each and continue depending on the client’s goals. We offer private, individual, couples, family, and group sessions for ages 10 and above. (For safety purposes, children under the age of 10 would need to go through an evaluation process to determine eligibility).
Closed-toed shoes are REQUIRED. If you have ever had a 1200 lb horse step on you, you know why.
Footwear recommendations: Steel toed shoes are ideal, but not required. And, because the ground may be muddy or damp, waterproof boots, cowboy boots, hiking boots, snow boots, or Muck boots are advisable, as opposed to canvas shoes. Leather bound shoes/boot also protect the foot better, if the horse should step on you. No matter what the weather is, absolutely no sandals or flip flops will be allowed while working with the horses.
For more information about what to wear, check out the FAQs.
Benefits of Equine-assisted Counseling
Enjoyable and non-judgmental
Held in a outdoor space opposed to a 4 walled office space
Often gets to the heart of the matter quickly and effectively
Helps identify patterns and determine whether or not they are useful
Allows you to practice new relational approaches and get instant honest feedback
Horses respond honestly and are fully present and responsive in the moment. They do not hold grudges or assumptions. This has been found to help clients:
Demonstrate increased self-esteem
Learn how to better communicate with others
Challenge ideas of previously unhealthy relationships
Learn how to create health attachment connections
When clients are given the opportunity to role play and act out in a manner similar to the relationships in their lives, the horses respond naturally. For example, if a child was to approach a horse aggressively, it will respond honestly and appropriately by running away, startled. Then the child is given the opportunity to process and attempt a new approach in a different manner to help them understand what will bring desired results with peers.
Equine-assisted Counseling addresses issues including:
Absent/Divorced Partners
Abuse/Bullying
ADD & ADHD
Anxiety Disorders
Behavioral Disorders
Boundaries Issues
Couple/Marital Issues
Depression
Drug & Alcohol Use
Effective Communication
Grief & Loss Issues
Impulsiveness
Issues with Authority
Neglect
Parenting Skills
Poor Coping Skills
Post Traumatic Stress
Poor Decision-making
Self Esteem/Empowerment
Stress Management
Team Building
Equine Assisted or Outdoor Counseling
Weather Policy
Equine-assisted and other type of Eco-therapy Counseling happens outdoors which means there are some things to consider. Check out our FAQ’s page to know more about what to wear in different weather conditions or click our weather policy button below to know more about when we have to cancel due to bad weather.