In the world of mental health, it is essential to address the unique challenges faced by minority communities in accessing adequate care. During Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we have an opportunity to shed light on these disparities and explore how equine assisted counseling has emerged as a powerful intervention, offering a refreshing and inclusive approach to address the mental health needs of marginalized individuals. Understanding the Needs and Barriers Minority communities often face specific challenges when seeking mental health care. Cultural barriers, language barriers, limited access to resources, and historical mistrust of healthcare systems contribute to the existing disparities. At STEPS, our approach to equine assisted counseling recognizes these challenges and provides a space to address these unique needs. By prioritizing the cultural competency of our staff and sensitivity in our approach, this form of therapy seeks to bridge the gap and provide a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals to receive the support they deserve. Building Rapport, Trust, and Cultural Understanding Equine assisted counseling establishes an environment where clients can build rapport, trust, and cultural understanding with their counselors in a profound and meaningful way. The presence of equines, such as horses, serves as a powerful catalyst in this process. Equines are intuitive beings that can sense human emotions, enabling clients to connect on a deeper level. For minority individuals who may have experienced cultural barriers or previous negative experiences with healthcare, this connection with the equines can help create a foundation of trust and understanding that is crucial for therapeutic progress. Reducing Stigma and Addressing Mental Health Disparities The tranquil non-traditional setting with the involvement of animals helps destigmatize therapy, making it more approachable and acceptable within communities that might be hesitant to seek traditional forms of counseling. By addressing mental health disparities and reducing stigma, equine assisted counseling opens doors for individuals who might otherwise not have sought help due to cultural or societal barriers. Alternative Modes of Expression and Healing Engaging with equines allows for alternative modes of expression and healing, particularly valuable for individuals who may have different cultural norms and communication styles. Equine assisted counseling embraces non-verbal communication, enabling clients to express themselves through body language, grooming, and being present with the horses. This holistic approach provides a safe space for individuals to process their emotions and experiences in ways other than traditional talk therapy, ensuring that their unique cultural perspectives are honored and understood. STEPS with Horses: The Importance of Inclusivity STEPS with Horses (STEPS) is an organization committed to inclusivity and culturally sensitive mental health support. Our dedication to addressing the mental health needs of all individuals is reflected in our initiatives and achievements. Notably, we have received the United Way's 2023-24 Safety Net grant for Tarrant County residents identifying as racial and ethnic minorities, helping make this type of counseling more accessible. Additionally, our Co-Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Hallie Sheade, plays a vital role as a founding member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, helping ensure that all equine-assisted services are accessible and inclusive to people of all backgrounds. Equine assisted counseling offers a safe pathway for addressing the mental health disparities faced by minority populations. By embracing the power of the human-equine connection and understanding the unique needs and barriers experienced by marginalized communities, this form of counseling creates a safe, inclusive, and non-stigmatizing environment for individuals seeking support. If you are interested in learning more about our counseling services, please submit a Counseling Interest Form. If you would like to support these services, you can make a Donation or join a STEPS Herd Member Carrot Club! Photos do not depict real clients.
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Recovering from traumatic experiences is a deeply personal journey, and not every approach works for everyone. Anyone who has experienced a deeply stressful, upsetting, or traumatic event can develop PTSD. If you're searching for an alternative to traditional office-based therapy, let us introduce you to the incredible world of Equine Assisted Counseling. At STEPS With Horses, we believe in the power of combining horses and human connection to facilitate healing. Join us as we explore how our Relational Equine-Partnered Counseling approach can address each cluster of PTSD and provide a path towards renewed strength and hope. Intrusive Thoughts, Feelings, and Memories Dealing with the intense emotions and physical sensations associated with past traumas can be overwhelming. Nightmares, flashbacks, and unwanted memories make everyday life a challenge. This is where our equine partners come in. With their innate ability to sense human emotions, they become powerful allies in helping us recognize triggers, manage negative feelings, and develop coping skills. Together, we'll navigate through the difficult moments and find ways to restore peace and emotional balance. Avoidance and Numbing We all have a natural tendency to avoid painful thoughts and emotions linked to our trauma. But what if you had a judgment-free space to express yourself openly? That's exactly what our equine partners provide. Through building a relationship with them, you'll create a safe environment that encourages vulnerability and reduces avoidance of people, places, and things associated with your past trauma. Equines will guide you in practicing calming techniques and gradually help you face the triggers that once seemed insurmountable. They understand the importance of fostering trust and healing, supporting you in reconnecting with the world around you. Patterns of Negative Thoughts and Mood Trauma can make us feel disconnected from ourselves and others, trapping us in a cycle of negativity. However, the presence of these majestic creatures has a magical effect. Just being around them sparks a sense of joy and connection that can be transformative. Equines have a unique way of awakening the "connecting part" of our brains, allowing us to rediscover the beauty of human relationships. Engaging in physical activities with them reignites our passions and revitalizes our motivation for life's everyday joys. Physical and Emotional Reactivity Living with constant hypervigilance and an underlying sense of unease takes its toll. Equines, as prey animals, are naturally alert and aware of their surroundings. They provide a powerful example of being vigilant while also finding moments of relaxation and enjoyment. Spending time with these gentle giants will teach you to let your guard down, view your surroundings with clarity, and experience a sense of peace. As you engage with them, you'll witness firsthand their ability to reduce reactivity and find harmony within their environment. Take the First Step Towards Healing! If you're ready to embark on a journey of healing and transformation, STEPS With Horses is here to support you every step of the way. Our Equine Assisted Counseling program offers a compassionate and innovative approach to address PTSD. Reach out today and take that first courageous step towards reclaiming your life. And to those who wish to make a lasting impact, your generous support as a donor enables us to continue providing life-changing services to those in need. Give a gift today! Contact us by phone at 682-219-8733 or send us a message to learn more about our services and start your journey today. *Photos depict models, not actual STEPS clients
Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a daily battle, affecting individuals of all ages. Coping with the aftermath of traumatic experiences requires a unique and holistic approach to healing. Equine assisted counseling, an innovative counseling approach, offers a powerful avenue for individuals with PTSD to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and recovery. In this blog post, we will explore how the presence of equines, the tranquil herd environment, and the psychotherapeutic process itself can help clients find solace, build resilience, and reclaim their lives. Staying Grounded in the Presence of Equines Equines have an innate ability to sense and respond to human emotions, providing a remarkable sense of grounding and presence. When engaging in equine assisted counseling, clients often find solace in the comforting presence of these majestic animals. The physicality and immediacy of interacting with equines help individuals stay grounded in the present moment, allowing them to step away from the overwhelming memories and anxieties that frequently accompany PTSD. Creating a Safe Space within the Tranquil Herd Environment The serene and tranquil environment where equine assisted counseling takes place can be profoundly therapeutic for clients with PTSD. Equines live in a tightly bonded herd, characterized by a sense of safety, trust, and acceptance. As clients enter this environment, they experience a unique sense of belonging, free from judgment or expectations. The herd’s peacefulness and non-verbal communication become a catalyst for emotional healing and growth. Processing Difficult Experiences and Emotions The powerful presence of equines in equine assisted counseling sessions can help clients navigate and process difficult experiences and emotions associated with PTSD. As clients form connections with the equines, they often find it easier to express and explore their own traumatic memories. Equines become gentle guides in the healing process, allowing individuals to confront and work through their emotions at a pace that feels manageable. Recognizing the Window of Tolerance Equine assisted counseling empowers clients to recognize their own “window of tolerance” – the range of emotional states in which they can function effectively. By observing how equines respond to their emotions, individuals with PTSD can gain insight into their own physiological and emotional reactions. Through this self-awareness, they learn to identify when they are becoming overwhelmed and develop skills to regulate their emotional states more effectively. Learning to Identify Needs, Communicate, and Set Healthy Boundaries Interacting with equines can be a powerful experience for clients, helping them gain insight into patterns of communication, assertiveness, and boundary setting. Equines respond to non-verbal cues and provide immediate feedback, creating a safe space for clients to practice assertiveness and healthy communication. Equine assisted counseling facilitates the development of crucial life skills, empowering individuals to identify their own needs, communicate effectively, and establish healthy boundaries – invaluable tools for navigating relationships and building resilience in their everyday lives. Increasing Positive Feelings and Hopefulness The transformative power of equine assisted counseling extends beyond immediate therapeutic sessions. Clients often report increased positive feelings and a restored sense of hopefulness about the future. The relationships formed with the equines, the supportive therapeutic environment, and the progress made in addressing their PTSD symptoms contribute to a renewed belief in their own resilience and capacity for growth. Improved Self-Worth and Self-Compassion Equine assisted counseling can profoundly impact clients’ perceptions of self. Through their interactions with equines, individuals develop a deep sense of self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-compassion. Equines, with their ability to meet individuals exactly where they are, empower clients to embrace their vulnerabilities, strengths, and unique qualities. As clients witness the non-judgmental response from these intuitive creatures, they begin to see themselves through a lens of kindness and appreciation STEPS With Horses, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to equine assisted mental health services, offers two distinct approaches to address PTSD in different age groups. Our Relational Equine-Partnered Counseling approach focuses on building safe and trusting relationships with equines, integrating principles of interpersonal neurobiology, and creating a space for clients to explore their personal beliefs and experiences. This approach is designed for older children, teens, and adults, emphasizing experiential therapy and the therapeutic power of the equine-human connection. For younger children ages 4 and older, STEPS offers Equine-Partnered Play Therapy. This form of play therapy enables children to engage with miniature horses while expressing and processing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play – their language, and toys – their words. The presence of these horses aids children in gaining greater self-regulation, self-control, empathy, self-awareness, decision-making, communication, and confidence. By harnessing the healing power of equines, STEPS With Horses provides invaluable support to those living with PTSD, helping them rediscover their strength, resilience, and hope for a brighter future. If you are interested in experiencing the power of the human-equine relationship, contact us at www.stepswithhorses.org/contact Interested in giving the life-changing gift of equine assisted counseling? Support our clients and our therapy herd at www.stepswithhorses.org/donate Categories All ArchivesTroy* was a Navy veteran who had lost several friends to suicide. He had also attempted suicide himself and struggled with PTSD from this experience. Despite his best efforts, Troy found himself overwhelmed by grief and anxiety. He was struggling to find a way to process his emotions and move forward. One day, his cousin suggested he try equine assisted counseling. When Troy arrived for his first session, he was highly anxious. He had never worked with horses before and wasn’t sure what to expect. He was immediately drawn to a horse named Sassy who was the first to approach him. Despite her bold approach, there was something calming about Sassy that drew Troy toward her. As Troy spent more time with Sassy, he began to notice how her behavior changed when his emotions changed. Recognizing changes in Sassy’s behavior helped Troy begin to gain a greater awareness of his own emotions and new perspective on how he was feeling. With Sassy by his side, Troy felt more comfortable to talk about his experiences, even the traumatic ones, with more ease. He found that having a hand on Sassy’s neck helped him stay calmer during these conversations. Through his time with Sassy, Troy also began to explore his own sense of self since leaving the military. He realized that he struggled with decision-making and was often unsure of what he wanted. But, as Troy continued to work with Sassy and the other horses, he became more confident in recognizing how they communicated with him. In turn, Troy became more confident in recognizing his own needs and communicating them to the horses. As Troy approached the end of his time in equine assisted counseling, he recognized many ways that the horses had helped him change. He noticed that he was more confident, more self-aware, and better able to manage his emotions. Troy expressed gratitude for the experience and how he would continue to use the skills learned from his time with Sassy for the rest of his life. You can help military veterans like Troy during Mental Health Awareness Month! For every donation of $15 or more during the month of May 2023, North Texas Giving Day and The Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation will add an extra $15, amplifying the impact of your contribution. Donate at https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/stepswithhorses *Names and details have been changed to protect client privacy and identity
Katie approached the horses much like her entry into the barn – an uncontrolled ball of energy. Startled by Katie’s approach, the horses immediately ran to the other side of the play area. Katie ran after them. Despite the counselor’s efforts to help Katie understand that the horses were frightened by her running, she was frustrated and angry when the horses didn’t want to play with her. In a huff, Katie settled down to play in the sandbox instead. As she grumbled about the horses being “mean” and ran her hands through the sand, Katie began to relax. A few minutes later, the horses made their way back to Katie and allowed her to pet them. Prior to living with her aunt and uncle, Katie had a difficult life. Although her mother had tried to provide the very best for her daughter, she had her own struggles. From the time Katie was a baby, her mother would park her in front of the TV to keep her quiet. As Katie got older and became bored with the TV, her mother would yell and scream and even hit Katie. To provide Katie with a safe and secure home, the state awarded her aunt and uncle custody when Katie turned six. As a result of Katie’s early life trauma and neglect, she had difficulty regulating her emotions and would often become aggressive when upset. She struggled to make friends and didn’t understand why the other kids didn’t like to play with her. As Katie’s time in play therapy progressed, she gradually began to see how her behaviors influenced the horses’ responses to her. Soon Katie began to use the horses’ behaviors as “clues” for understanding her own feelings and behaviors. As her empathy towards others developed, Katie made her very first best friend at school. Katie’s story is not unique. As many as 20% of youth suffer from a mental health disorder. Most of these children go untreated, avoid treatment, and drop out of treatment prematurely. With an improvement rate of 90%, our evidence-informed services can be life-changing not only for the child but for the entire family. It is crucial that at-risk youth receive needed mental health care in order to grow, thrive, and become happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. You can help children like Katie during Mental Health Awareness Month! For every donation of $15 or more during the month of May 2023, North Texas Giving Day and The Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation will add an extra $15, amplifying the impact of your contribution. Donate at https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/stepswithhorses *Names and details have been changed to protect client privacy and identity STEPS is proud to provide equine assisted services to our North Texas community! All of our services including therapeutic horsemanship, equine assisted counseling and psychotherapy, and equine assisted learning involve our herd! All eleven of our equines are essential to our STEPS team and the therapeutic process. Our herd members include miniature horses, Quarter Horses, a Paint Horse, a miniature donkey, an Arabian horse, a Palomino, a Draft Mix, and a Mustang! Read more to find out more about our amazing therapy herd! What do therapy equines do during counseling sessions? During each session, counselor, client, equine specialist, and equines are present. Each bring their own unique element to the therapeutic process. Our therapeutic approach - Relational Equine Partnered Counseling (REPC) - allows our herd to be respond naturally and organically during each session. This is important because equine have the ability to recognize human emotion by noticing cues such as heart rate, facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. The equines then respond to us based on what they have noticed about us. REPC allows them to decide how to participate in sessions and interact with clients. Meaning, our herd members have the freedom to move about the pasture and express themselves genuinely and authentically without human control. This allows both equine and human to form a mutally-beneficial relationship that each choose to be a part of. Many of our clients establish particularly close relationships with specific equines, which promotes long term collaboration and communication. What does it take to be a therapy equine? All of our herd members are rescued equines or retired show horses. Any breed of horse or donkey can make a great therapy partner! We work with mares and geldings (no stallions!) of many different breeds in the STEPS program. Becoming a therapy equine can be a great second or even third career for a former show horse. All of the STEPS herd members come from a unique background and have a story of their own! They all have special gifts in working with our clients from playing with children, to giving feedback, and teaching clients how to ride. Meet our herd members here! Some may have experienced trauma or neglect which allows clients who may have also experience trauma to feel seen and understood. Like humans, equines experience emotions such as anger, joy, sadness, and fear. This makes them excellent partners in counseling and allows a genuine connection to form with client and equine. How do equines benefit? Equines are herd animals, meaning their survival is dependent on the proximity of other equines. They rely on one another for safety and social and emotional connection, much like humans! The bonds they build with one another are just as important as the bonds they build with their human herd. Through relationship building with humans, our equine partners can also build trust, social awareness, empathy, and communication skills. The human-equine connection can be beneficial for both equine and person. You can make a difference in the lives of our special therapy herd members! Join your favorite equine's Carrot Club today! Who? Clients This form of equine-assisted counseling is designed for children ages 4-10. Providers Services are provided by licensed mental health professionals (or graduate student interns supervised by a licensed professional) who are trained in EACP. Qualified equine professionals co-facilitate with the counselors to maintain a safe environment for all involved. Equine professionals have extensive experience with equine behavior, herd management, and safe equine interaction practices. Some counselors are dually-qualified and can serve as both counselor and equine specialist. What? Equine-Partnered Play Therapy is an approach to counseling for young children that utilizes play (the natural language for children) to express themselves as well as process feelings and emotions. Equines are partnered into each session creating a sense of calm and well-being which provides emotional security for the child. In doing so clients can establish a therapeutic relationship with the equine and counselor where they can feel full acceptance and understanding. Through these interactions and play, children can develop social skills, impulse control, empathy, and self-awareness. Where? Play Therapy sessions take place in our tranquil pasture in an enclosed space designated as our "play area". The play area includes a safe space for children to express themselves with a variety of toys and developmental instruments. As partners in play, our two miniature ponies will be free to move about the space and interact with them as they desire. This allows for both equine and child to develop a relationship mutually beneficial to one another. Why? Many children have an innate interest in and desire to interact with animals. Children are able to facilitate interactions with animals in ways that they are unable to do with toys or adults. Through these interactions equines enable children to receive nurturing, cope with stress, express feelings, and facilitate qualities such as impulse control, self-regulation, or positive adjustment. What?
Equine-assisted counseling and psychotherapy (EACP) is a form of professional counseling facilitated by a licensed mental health professional in which clients work to achieve specific mental health treatment goals through interaction with equines. Who? Clients There are many types of people who may benefit from equine-assisted counseling and psychotherapy! At STEPS, we serve clients as young as 4 years old. Many individuals seeking EACP are experiencing struggles related to depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, trauma, anger, grief, life adjustment, relationship problems, social skills, work/school problems, or other behavior issues. Providers Services are provided by licensed mental health professionals (or graduate student interns supervised by a licensed professional) who are trained in EACP. Qualified equine professionals co-facilitate with the counselors to maintain a safe environment for all involved. Equine professionals have extensive experience with equine behavior, herd management, and safe equine interaction practices. Some counselors are dually-qualified and can serve as both counselor and equine specialist. Where? All sessions take place on the ground - there is no riding involved. At STEPS, services take place in our tranquil pasture, where our herd is free to move around. Working with the equines in their natural environment, and without attempting to exert control over them, allows the equines to respond to you in a natural manner, as if you were part of the herd. Why? Equines notice many cues indicative of a person’s emotional state such as breathing rate, heart rate, body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and even scent. The feedback they provide will assist you in gaining insight into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as they are happening in the moment. Your counselor will help you connect these experiences to challenges you may be facing. In addition, you will have the opportunity to practice different skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, calming skills, and communication skills that can be generalized and applied to increasing satisfaction in your relationships and daily life. The story of STEPS Co-Founder, Paul Ziehe DooDad was not a gentle horse. He wasn’t mean, but he was large, strong, and clearly had a mind of his own. When I first met him, after a few rides he intimidated me and I would- well, not dread riding him, but would definitely be trepidatious when saddling up. He had the best trot in the world, but his lope would break your spine, and he would buck out of (I thought) the blue. Strong as he was, even a little crow-hop was enough to unseat you.
Then one day I listened- really listened- to him. He bucked when he knew I wasn’t paying attention- to him, to our surroundings, (sometimes) even myself. He was telling me we were out to work, and if he was going to give me all he had, I had damn well give him my best. From that point on, he became my favorite ride and I knew we could do ANYthing. Even, at one point, face down a herd of buffalo (although fortunately I was able to convince him that discretion was the better part of valor and maybe we should just vacate the area). He demanded more from me, and when I realized that and gave it to him he went from being a horse I preferred not to ride to being a trusted friend that could handle anything. Except for strange noises coming from thickets- but that’s a story for another day. Inspired by this story? You can make a difference by supporting these relationships with our clients! Give the gift of healing and horses by clicking the Seen Through Horses below! Horses don't just have the power to help our clients. They help our counselors too, read how one horse changed Kelsey's life!
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AuthorSTEPS With Horses Archives
March 2024
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Mailing AddressP.O. Box 123737
Fort Worth, TX 76121 |
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