Frequently Asked Questions about S.T.E.P.S.
1. What is the S.T.E.P.S. Model?
The term "STEPS" stands for Spectrum of Therapeutic Equine-Partnered Services.
This model is a novel, cutting-edge model to provide multiple levels of care targeted at treating mental health concerns through equine assisted activities and therapies. STEPS features a unique continuity of care to provide both clinical services (such as individual equine assisted counseling and psychotherapy) and non-clinical services.
The term "STEPS" stands for Spectrum of Therapeutic Equine-Partnered Services.
This model is a novel, cutting-edge model to provide multiple levels of care targeted at treating mental health concerns through equine assisted activities and therapies. STEPS features a unique continuity of care to provide both clinical services (such as individual equine assisted counseling and psychotherapy) and non-clinical services.
2. What is Equine Assisted Counseling (EAC)?
EAC is a form of mental health treatment facilitated by a licensed mental health professional (or intern under the supervision of a licensed professional) in which clients work to achieve specific mental health treatment goals through interaction with horses. EAC is the centerpiece of the S.T.E.P.S Model. It is expected that most clients will participate in the service at some point. Learn more about the benefits of equine assisted counseling services.
Learn more about the benefits of EAC visit our Why Horses page.
EAC is a form of mental health treatment facilitated by a licensed mental health professional (or intern under the supervision of a licensed professional) in which clients work to achieve specific mental health treatment goals through interaction with horses. EAC is the centerpiece of the S.T.E.P.S Model. It is expected that most clients will participate in the service at some point. Learn more about the benefits of equine assisted counseling services.
Learn more about the benefits of EAC visit our Why Horses page.
3. What models for practice does S.T.E.P.S. With Horses use for counseling and psychotherapy?
S.T.E.P.S. uses Dr. Sheade's innovative evidence-informed counseling models: Relational Equine-Partnered Counseling (REPC) and Equine-Partnered Play Therapy (EPPT). These models have been featured in Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling, a textbook authored by world-renowned expert in animal assisted therapy, Dr. Cynthia Chandler.
Learn more about the REPC and EPPT models here.
S.T.E.P.S. uses Dr. Sheade's innovative evidence-informed counseling models: Relational Equine-Partnered Counseling (REPC) and Equine-Partnered Play Therapy (EPPT). These models have been featured in Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling, a textbook authored by world-renowned expert in animal assisted therapy, Dr. Cynthia Chandler.
Learn more about the REPC and EPPT models here.
4. What is Continuity of Care?
A client-centered approach in which the client and treatment team work together to support the client's mental health needs by receiving high quality care over an extended period of time.
A client-centered approach in which the client and treatment team work together to support the client's mental health needs by receiving high quality care over an extended period of time.
5. What are the benefits of Continuity of Care?
- Helps clients to get better and stay better!
- Establishes trust between the client and treatment team.
- Offers access to multiple levels of care and the opportunity to "step-down" to receive post-treatment non-clinical support services at the same location.
- Provides ongoing client support to maintain progress established and minimize the risk of crisis or relapse.
- Responds to client's changing mental health needs over time.
- Assists clients in engaging (or re-engaging) in the community and becoming more socially connected.
- Reduces risk of negative client outcomes over time including:
- Social isolation
- Economic hardship
- Hospitalizations
- Increases likelihood of positive outcomes over time including:
- Improved mental health and functioning
- Increased quality of life and life satisfaction
- Improved symptom control
Our programs are generously supported by:
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