Frequently Asked Questions about STEPS
1. What is the STEPS Model?
The term "STEPS" stands for Spectrum of Therapeutic Equine-Partnered Services (STEPS Model).
The STEPS Model is a novel, cutting-edge approach to provide multiple levels of care targeted at treating mental health concerns through equine assisted mental health services. STEPS features a unique continuity of care to provide both clinical services (such as Equine Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy) and non-clinical services (Therapeutic Horsemanship).
The term "STEPS" stands for Spectrum of Therapeutic Equine-Partnered Services (STEPS Model).
The STEPS Model is a novel, cutting-edge approach to provide multiple levels of care targeted at treating mental health concerns through equine assisted mental health services. STEPS features a unique continuity of care to provide both clinical services (such as Equine Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy) and non-clinical services (Therapeutic Horsemanship).
2. What is Equine Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy (EACP)?
EACP is a form of professional counseling facilitated by a licensed mental health professional (or graduate intern under the supervision of a licensed professional) in which clients work to achieve specific mental health treatment goals through interaction with equines. EACP is the centerpiece of the STEPS Model.
Learn more about the benefits of Equine Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy here and learn more about Why Horses here.
EACP is a form of professional counseling facilitated by a licensed mental health professional (or graduate intern under the supervision of a licensed professional) in which clients work to achieve specific mental health treatment goals through interaction with equines. EACP is the centerpiece of the STEPS Model.
Learn more about the benefits of Equine Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy here and learn more about Why Horses here.
3. What models for practice does STEPS With Horses use for counseling and psychotherapy?
STEPS uses Dr. Sheade's innovative evidence-informed counseling approaches: Relational Equine-Partnered Counseling (REPC) and Equine-Partnered Play Therapy (EPPT). These models have been featured in the following books:
STEPS uses Dr. Sheade's innovative evidence-informed counseling approaches: Relational Equine-Partnered Counseling (REPC) and Equine-Partnered Play Therapy (EPPT). These models have been featured in the following books:
- Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling, a textbook authored by world-renowned expert in animal assisted therapy, Dr. Cynthia Chandler
- Equine-Assisted Mental Health Interventions: Harnessing Solutions to Common Problems by Kay Sudekum Trotter and Jennifer N. Baggerly
- Equine-Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy: Healing Through Horses by STEPS Co-Founder, Dr. Hallie Sheade
4. What are the benefits of Continuity of Care?
- Helps clients to get better and stay better!
- 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 support to help clients to maintain progress established and reduce the risk of regression 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
- 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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