EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY is proving to be a highly effective treatment for individual and families facing mental and emotional challenges. As highly emotional, sensitive, intuitive creatures, horses are capable of acting as mirrors for our inner self and catalysts for positive change. 

I am a fully certified Equine Specialist, certified by EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) for Parts 1 and 2, completing the second phase of my EAGALA training Sept., 2009. I am available for EAP sessions with therapists in the Austin, Texas area using my own horses. As I love to travel, I am also willing to assist therapists in EAP sessions in other areas of the country.

My background in psychology (B.A.- UH, 1978) combined with over 20 years of teaching and coaching children and adults helps me to understand the dynamics underlying EAP sessions. My experience with horses helps me to read their body language for subtle messages, assisting in the safety of clients.
I enjoy creating tasks for sessions and watching a session unfold in whatever way it will for each individual or group.

An explanation of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy from EAGALA's website: www.eagala.org

What is EAP?

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning.  It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term, or "brief" approach. EAP is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This approach has been compared to the ropes courses used by therapists, treatment facilities, and human development courses around the world. But EAP has the added advantage of utilizing horses, dynamic and powerful living beings. Not all programs or individuals who use horses practice Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. For one, licensed clinical professionals need to be involved for it to be considered "psychotherapy". The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship.  The focus of EAP involves setting up ground activities involving the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP. EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.