​​What is Equine-Assisted Therapy?

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Equine-assisted Psychotherapy is a specialized form of therapy that involves interactions with horses under professional guidance. Unlike traditional talk therapy conducted in an office or online, equine therapy takes place in an outdoor environment, creating opportunity for authentic, embodied experiences.

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Horses offer immediate, honest feedback through their responses to your energy, emotions, and behaviors. This unique dynamic allows for realtime insight that traditionally takes time to explore in traditional talk therapy settings. Soma stables currently has three miniature therapy horses: Miss Carlson 
"Carly", Worth the Wait, "Worthy" and Trader Joe, "Joey".

 

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Specialized Approach

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My approach to equine therapy is grounded in:

• Relationship: horse and person are equal and treated with dignity, respect and care

• Neuroscience: informed & evidence-based practices that address how trauma and stress affect the body, mind and spirit

• Authentic connection: building emotional attunement to feel seen, heard & engaged, a practice between human and horse that models healthy relationship dynamics

• Body-based awareness: honor the wisdom and story held within your embodied experience

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Who Benefits from Equine-Assisted Therapy?

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Equine-assisted therapy has proven particularly transformative for individuals looking to build relationship with self and others. No previous horse experience is necessary. The therapy is all  about connection, not skill or experience.

 

Equine therapy has proven to reduce distress for:

• Trauma recovery and PTSD

• Anxiety and depression

• Relationship challenges

• Life transitions and identity exploration

• Grief and loss

• Personal growth and self-discovery journeys

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What to Expect in a Session

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Equine-assisted therapy sessions typically last 60-90 minutes and take place at Soma Stables located in Moraga, California. Sessions include:

• Guided interactions with a miniature horses to illuminate relationship patterns

• Mindfulness practices that support bottom-up regulation

• Psychoeducation as to real-time reactions occurring in the body

• Somatic practice to connect to self and all parts of the brain 

• Integrative processing that translates insights into relational skills

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Each session is tailored to your unique needs and therapeutic goals. Some clients combine equine sessions with traditional office-based therapy, while others work exclusively in the equine setting.

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want to learn more? 

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Reach out and connect! BOOK A CONSULT to explore if equine therapy may be a good fit for you.  Whether you're seeking to heal from trauma and distress, build personal growth, or curious about deeper relational connection, you are welcome just as you are.