Summer is often a time of year for many people to relax and decompress from the year. Many people take vacations, and many people spend a lot more time outside. Kids go to camp or play in the pool. Parents take their kids hiking or lounge on the beach. The outdoors is quite an exceptional place to be during summer time. Though summer has come and gone, do not let that stop you from engaging in the beauties of the outdoors. This is why, Davidson Family Therapy, is happy to spotlight Willow Equine. Davidson Family Therapy and Willow Equine are partners in helping people in the local communities explore and uncover deep emotional connections to problems or issues they are faced with, or just allow space for people for various purposes.
Summer may be a time to hang by the pool, but Fall is a time to explore yourself in the crisp smell of leaves and horse hair. Willow Equine, provides a nonjudgmental space for clients to explore. Willow Equine, run by Katie Stankiewicz, partners with therapists in the community to provide equine psychotherapy, or the use of horses in therapy. One such therapy office that Willow Equine is partnered with is Davidson Family Therapy. Willow Equine is located in Mooresville, NC (one mile from Lazy 5 Ranch). This area includes forty acres of land, 20 horses and 5 llamas to be used in therapy, and other creatures (i.e. dogs, cats, chickens, snakes, etc.). There are a variety of spaces for clients to explore from green rolling hills, to enclosed forest areas with flowing creeks. If you or a family member are not progressing with traditional therapy, or do not want to participate in traditional counseling, this is a great place to discover yourself and get back in touch with your natural self.
Willow Equine uses the Eagala model. This model is a solution-oriented, and incorporates horses for mental health treatment, in which treatment goals, objectives and interventions are the focus. It is a ground based model, which means there is no riding or horsemanship involved.
There is a collaborative effort between horses, a mental health professional and an equine specialist working with the clients. After the time interacting with the horses, clients can reflect on the session, their feelings, shifts and patterns. Individuals and groups are given an opportunity to have a structured experience with the horses. EAP brings about a time to learn and explore oneself, problem solving strategies and interpersonal dynamics. This type of therapy helps people build self-esteem, as they move and interact with horses. For groups, it has been seen to be helpful in team building and problem solving.
If you are interested in trying Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, please visit Davidson Family Therapy or Willow Equine to set up a time for you or a family member.
