At Open Reins Counseling we harness the healing power of horses to improve the quality of life for those with trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, marital or family issues. The well-documented emotional and physical health benefits of the human-animal bond provide the basis for Equine Assisted Therapy & EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). Sessions are designed to increase confidence, mobility and self-esteem, and include ground activities such as grooming, feeding, and walking horses. Guided by an assessment of each participant’s needs and strengths, goals are accomplished through work with an experienced, licensed professional counselor in a calm, safe, and caring environment. Through a process of guided engagement with their horses, participants are rewarded with “in the moment” experiences that foster a sense of connection and wellbeing.
In our practice, the client(s) will usually meet with the counselor for an intake/screening on what their needs are. Trauma Recovery, grief & loss, addiction, depression & anxiety are general areas of need and a plan will be developed based on those needs. Eventually, we may move to sessions in an arena that involve a team including: the Client(s), Counselor, Horse and the E.S. (Equine Specialist). Presently, our program does not include therapeutic riding, but rather ground work and activities that focus on goals determined by the team. The setting and team members may change slightly through the course of treatment but the goal is always focused on client needs.