Mental Health Services
StableStrides is a national leader in Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) methods. This is a unique and groundbreaking therapeutic model, used around the world as a dynamic, powerful tool in mental health therapy. It offers unique opportunities to support individuals or families’ mental or behavioral health needs through the partnership of a horse.
“I have learned more about myself and how to handle my emotions”
in 5 individuals experience mental illness each year
Our mental health services are not focused on horsemanship or horseback riding, but rather on giving clients a safe place to engage in activities with a horse or horses. The horse helps client’s process feelings, thoughts, and reactions, while serving as an emotional mirror.
EFP provides a deeper therapeutic experience due to the living relationship between the horse and the client. Horses are uniquely suited for this kind of therapy because they are intuitive and will react to behavior patterns and cues that people might miss, allowing the therapist and client to interact on a deeper level and address issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Group, couple, family, and individual therapy sessions are available through the Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy program at StableStrides.
Our licensed therapists, PATH certified Equine Specialists in Mental Health Learning, and exceptionally trained horses work together to provide a one-of-a-kind therapeutic experience.
Studies show that Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy has been helpful for clients in the following areas (plus many more):
Assertiveness
Emotional Awareness
Stress Tolerance
Flexibility
Impulse Control
Problem-Solving Skills
Self-Actualization
Independence
Social Responsibility
Interpersonal Relationships
Grief/Loss
Cognitive Disability
ADD/ADHD
Autism
Personality Disorders
Addiction
Anxiety/Depression
Mood Disorders
PTSD
Emotional/Physical Trauma