Services & Testimonials

EQUUSOLUTIONS & TEAM EQUUS
Equine Assisted Learning Programs

Your Subtitle text

How does Equine Co-Facilitated Learning and Therapy
Differ From Horsemanship?

The focus is on human skills, not horse skills. Horsemanship is about the instructor directing specific skills with horses. EAP is about the clients being themselves.

A treatment team consists of a horse professional and clients being themselves.

Specific treatment goals, objectives, and interventions are identified and documented. Sessions are structured and facilitated to deliberately address the reasons clients came to therapy.

EAP activities are designed to best create metaphors to "real life." This allows for metaphorical learning as everything done with the horses is related to what is happening at home, school, work, in relationships, etc.

Equine Assisted psychotherapy is an experiential modality of mental health treatment. It involves setting up activities with horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP.

EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs, including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.

TESTIMONIALS

"I was amazed at how the use of equine-assisted therapy simplified what I thought was so complicated, and I noticed that the manner in which I thought and behaved towards the horses, mirrored the way I have been with people." -Deb N., VA nurse

"Vast improvements with every session. This should be a required therapy for all wounded soldiers their families". - former military

"I never knew one weekend (with horses) would provide so much insight to my daughter." -Linda M..

"Dr. Williams

As a veteran who has suffered from PTSD due to MST, I can testify that working with horses has literally saved my life. Many vets are reluctant to go through traditional verbal therapy. Traditional forms of therapy require the veteran to be verbal & to relive their traumas, which is the last thing a person suffering from PTSD wants to do. Bottom line-they want to be left alone, this seclusion from society leads to suicide. Many avoid any form of verbal therapy & either internalize their emotions (which can result in self hate, self mutilation, depression, anger, many other maladaptive behaviors), or externalize their emotions & are aggressive &/or violent. Many require frequent hospitalization or ER interventions, counseling & increased drug usage of both prescription &/or illegal drugs.

I have made significant gains in areas of adaptive functioning while I was in the equine program. I continue to have symptoms of PTSD, I have shown significant improvements in areas such as cause & effect reasoning, problem solving, insight into their own interpersonal style & moods, developing trust, & understanding how their condition affects others, as well as how to begin to self-regulate their emotions.

Interaction with these sensitive animals has increased my sense of belonging, sense of accomplishment, mutual respect, trust & kindness. It is transfiguring when a 1200 lb animal will perform appropriately for you. This experience quickly translates to dealing with humans, which most veterans with PTSD do poorly, if at all".

-Carol L.,RN,USMC

Team Equus encourages corporate team building and the use of horses to define strengths and weaknesses within the corporate bubble.

Team Equus 1251 S.. Myrtle Ave. Clearwater, Fl 33756 727-467-4213 Dr, Darlene Williams. - Program Director, M.H.. - EAGALA Certified 2003 Lori L. Roe - Director of Marketing, B.S., E.S. - EAGALA Certified 2009 Patte Plount -C.O.E.,. Corporate Liaison, E.S. - EAGALA Certified 2009

Horse Corps

We would like to introduce "Horse Corps". Horse Corps is therapy that is designed to help women in the military who have been diagnosed with PTSD and/or MST. This program is our contribution as providers to the "Give an Hour" program.

Horse Corps meets the last Sunday of every month between 1:30 to 3:30 PM. We meet rain or shine. This session is open to all that wish to attend, current or former military. Please call 727-467-4213 for more details, see also Horsecorps.com.