 Alyse* was the youngest of five siblings, a quiet girl who lived in a whirlwind of change. Her father was in the military, and frequent relocations were a way of life. When he was deployed for long stretches, the house grew chaotic. Alyse’s siblings acted out in their own ways—angry outbursts, defiance, and emotional withdrawal. But Alyse? She retreated into herself, becoming a silent observer of the storm that seemed to rage endlessly around her. When she first arrived for her Equine-Partnered Play Therapy sessions, Alyse would greet the horses softly, her voice barely louder than a whisper. But as soon as she entered the play area, her focus shifted to the dollhouse. She would create a tornado that ripped through the house, again and again. The walls, the roof, the furniture—nothing was safe from her carefully crafted destruction. The play therapist, seeing this, recognized the tornado as a symbol of the chaos in Alyse’s home life, the uncontrollable forces tearing through her world. Bob, the miniature horse, was always nearby during these sessions. Though Alyse didn’t acknowledge him much at first, he would inch closer each time, keeping a gentle watch over her. His presence was calm, quiet, and steady. And as Bob approached, something magical happened—the tornado would weaken. The destruction would stop. Alyse would pause, turn toward Bob, and smile faintly as if remembering he was there all along. She would brush his mane, running her small fingers through his coat, and speak to him softly. Bob seemed to understand, lowering his head as if to listen, his large, dark eyes reflecting her unspoken words. Over the course of the sessions, the tornado became less frequent. Alyse still played with the dollhouse, but now she would rebuild it, carefully placing the furniture back in its proper place. The chaos in her home hadn’t disappeared, but her relationship with Bob gave her something constant, something that couldn’t be torn apart by the storm. At home, subtle changes started to emerge. Alyse was still quiet, but she no longer withdrew completely. She began to talk more with her mother, share small details about her day, and she even started to sleep with fewer nightmares. When her siblings argued, Alyse didn’t flinch away from the noise—she was learning, in her own way, to rebuild even when the world felt overwhelming. In her play therapy sessions, Bob became a central figure in Alyse’s stories. Instead of the tornado, there was now a brave little horse who protected the dollhouse, standing firm while the winds howled outside. Alyse’s play grew more complex—she began to create stories of strength, of healing, and of finding calm amidst the chaos. One day, Alyse arrived at her session with a drawing. It was of Bob standing next to the dollhouse, surrounded by a beautiful, peaceful scene—no tornado in sight. When asked what had changed, Alyse simply smiled and said, "Bob helps me feel safe. So now, the house stays safe too." In that moment, the play therapist knew that Alyse had found a way to cope, a way to manage the storms of life. And while the tornado might never disappear completely, Alyse now had Bob to anchor her, helping her weather whatever came next. *Client's name and details have been changed to protect client identity. Photo does not depict real client. You can make a difference in the lives of children like Alyse. Give a gift for North Texas Giving Day at https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/stepswithhorses
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 Bob: Welcome, Mama Mia! It's such a pleasure to have you here for this interview. Let's dive right in. Can you tell us a bit about your experience with Equine-Partnered Play Therapy and why you enjoy working with young children? Mama Mia: Thank you, Bob! I'm thrilled to be here. Well, my journey with Equine-Partnered Play Therapy began about seven years ago, and it's been an incredibly fulfilling experience ever since. There's just something magical about connecting with children and helping them through the challenges they face using the unique bond we share with them as play therapy horses. Bob: Absolutely, there's something truly special about the bond between horses and children. Could you elaborate on how Equine-Partnered Play Therapy works? Mama Mia: Of course! Equine-Partnered Play Therapy is a form of therapy where horses like us are integrated into the therapeutic process to help children develop emotional regulation, improve social skills, and work through various emotional or behavioral issues. During sessions, children engage in various activities with us, such as playing with toys, grooming, leading, or even just spending quiet time together in our presence. These activities provide opportunities for children to build trust, learn empathy, and develop confidence.  Bob: That sounds incredibly impactful. Can you share some of your most memorable experiences working with children in equine partnered play therapy? Mama Mia: Oh, there have been so many memorable moments! One that stands out to me is when I worked with a young boy who was struggling with severe anxiety. Through our sessions together, he gradually learned to calm himself by watching how I overcame my fears when something startled me. Watching him gain confidence and learn to manage his anxiety was incredibly rewarding. Bob: That's truly inspiring, Mama Mia. I'm sure our audience would love to know more about the collaborative approach involved in EPPT.  Mama Mia: Of course, Bob. EPPT involves a team effort between licensed mental health professionals trained in play therapy and equine professionals who understand horse behavior and child development. Together with our human co-facilitators, we create a supportive environment where children feel valued and understood. Bob: Thank you for sharing that, Mama Mia. Before we wrap up, could you tell us how EPPT impacts children's motivation and enthusiasm for therapy? Mama Mia: Certainly, Bob. The mere presence of horses often ignites excitement and motivation in children to participate in therapy sessions. Knowing they'll spend time with us fosters anticipation and enthusiasm, making the therapeutic process more engaging and effective. Bob: That's wonderful to hear, Mama Mia. It's wonderful to have you as my equine play therapy co-facilitator. Your dedication to this work is truly inspiring. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to share about your love for working with young children in Equine-Partnered Play Therapy? Mama Mia: Just that every day I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of these children. The bond we share with them is truly special, and I believe in the transformative power of equine therapy. It's an honor to be a part of their journey towards healing and growth. Want to work with Mama Mia in Equine-Partnered Play Therapy? Fill out a Client Interest Form! Interested in hearing more from Mama Mia and receiving special tokens of her affection? Join Mama Mia's Carrot Club! |
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November 2024
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