Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

Horses have been used for therapeutic purposes since the time of the ancient Greeks. The Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine," wrote about the therapeutic potential of horseback riding. Equine-assisted psychotherapy incorporates horses into the therapeutic process. People engage in activities such as grooming, feeding, and leading a horse while being supervised by a mental health professional.

I've co-facilitated equine assisted psychotherapy sessions since 2010 as an equine professional and since 2023 as a clinician. I've received training from organizations including PATH International, EAGALA, Natural Lifemanship, and OK Corral. The equine assisted sessions lend an organically somatic and experiential lens to sessions that is immediate and relational. Especially for clients who would rather move and do than sit and talk, it can be a highly effective way to get "unstuck."

I am currently in the process of certification in Natural Lifemanship EAP and help previous certification in EAGALA EAP. I have a lifetime of experience with horses and know firsthand their impact on our emotional states.

A horse is a beautiful majestic creature, and when one interacts with you there is a sense of awe. But horses can also be opinionated, stubborn, quirky, reluctant, many of the same things that might challenge you. Horses don't sit there worrying about these things, they just are who they are. And they can help us see ourselves for the rich beings we are too, strengths and flaws alike.

I am a certified EAGALA mental health specialist and am also trained in Natural Lifemanship.

Professionals guide clients through activities with horses. There are different kinds of equine programs, and they have different goals for the people involved. Some programs are part of mental health treatment. In other cases, clients ride horses as part of a physical or occupational therapy regimen. Equine therapy programs can help treat: behavioral problems, relationship issues, grief, anxiety, depression, ADHA, addiction, eating disorders, and more.

I am a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. I offer in-person equine-assisted psychotherapy in Pasadena, CA. I have over 40 years of experience with horses and believe they can teach us a great deal about ourselves. Equines are partners in my treatment and you will be outside and in nature which also adds to your healing.

Equines are extremely intuitive, crave connection, and can hold a conversation without words. Allow me to introduce you to these beautiful, healing creatures!

One of my main specialties is equine assisted therapy! It is my long time passion and I love partnering with our herd of amazing horses to promote healing of the mind, body, and soul. EAP is so helpful to explore both the relationships we have with others as well as the relationship we have with ourselves.

EAP (EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY) is a form of experiential therapy where the participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses. Horses in EAP are used for growth, learning, and healing.

Utilizing horses in the therapy session allows for a unique way to address internal feelings and communication. The horse(s) joins the session in a way that fits the specific needs of each client, whether it is building self-esteem, working through anger issues or developing healthier communication skills.