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EQUIJOURNEYS EAPAL PROGRAMS

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy And Learning (E.A.P.A.L.)

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EquiJourneys is a an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning prevention and treatment therapy program specifically targeted to meet the unique needs of children, adolescents, and their families. Using equine (horse) assisted therapies, in conjunction with other experiential and cognitive therapy approaches, EquiJourneys focuses on the prevention and treatment of behavior, mood, and emotional disorders, recovery from addictions, eating disorders, coping with trauma, abuse, and loss, and teaching constructive life skills. The Cornerstone and rutter of EquiJounreys is Jesus Christ - embracing the grace, the forgiveness, the unconditional love, and the ultimate healing God gives us. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy & Equine Assisted Learning Defined Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a growing formof Experiential Therapy - using human-horse interactions to provide a variety of cognitive-oriented, therapeutic experiences as a foundation for healing and personal growth. The horse-human relationship provides a unique, emotionally safe platform upon which clients can work through difficult issues and learn life-skills such as improved communication, self-esteem, self-confidence, responsibility, relationship-building, and the opportunity to change thinking patterns from destructive to constructive. Using communication as an example, the person must learn how to communicate with a creature using body language and verbal tone rather than words alone. Horses live in a herd mentality and are super-sensitive to body language and position of humans and other horses at all times. They are also animals of prey. This leads to the "fight or flight" response, an instinct to which we train each horse to respond in a manner that is safe for the people and horses involved The messages sent by body language and tone of voice is the communication to which the horse responds. Much like a reflection in a mirror, the response a horse provides gives the person a clear view at the full message he or she may be sending, possibly totally unaware.. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy provides a setting where the therapist is not dictating to the client, and is instead facilitating a safe environment with client-appropriate exercises during which the client learns something unique fromeach individual attempt, and then choose the approach that is the best fit. Afterwards, the client and therapist can explore and process the experience and ways in which it applies to real life situations and relationships. The Experiential Therapy model allows the client to teach himself or herself, and provides the full spectrum of learning modalities - sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. In working through this process, the solution comes from inside the client rather than through dialogue alone in an office setting.			EquiJourneys is an equine assisted psychotherapy and learning program ("EAPAL") targeted to treat children, adolescents, and their families. The EAPAL program uses equine assisted psychotherapy, in conjunction with other experiential and cognitive therapies, for the prevention and specific treatment of behavior, mood, and emotional disorders including the following: recovery from addictions, eating disorders, coping with trauma, abuse, and loss, and teaching constructive life skills. This cognitive approach targets the root of thought: "perception." Perception is what we believe we see. At the most basic level, it affects what we believe about ourselves and the world around us - and often the beliefs that we allow to limit us. Using EAPAL, clients are presented with the tools to help them choose to look at the world different perspectives as horses challenge us to communicate with body language and tone of voice and only limited vocabulary. Clients work through issues at their own pace and in the order they choose. Time allows the applications from these experiences to be rooted into our nature and character. EquiJourneys strives to provide a place for children and teenagers to experience the power of this interactive learning, in both prevention and treatment situations. The focus is on the individual and that individual's unique needs. The fundamental right of self-determination is of utmost importance - the individual decides what issues he/she feels safe to explore, as well as when and how to proceed. This is essential for people of all ages - whether in a prevention mode of skill-building or in a treatment mode of change. Using horse assisted therapy and learning experiences, in addition to counseling and other experience-based modalities, EquiJourneys focuses on the passion for and embracement of living an abundant life - focusing on the path taken to each successful step, learning, and growing with each experience. We want kids to dare to dream and hope and believe in themselves. We strive to maintain a non-judgmental, loving, safe and honest atmosphere - respectful of each person's beliefs and choices - filled with life and focused on the "yes" in living rather than limitations. The Cornerstone on which EquiJourneys is built is the love, grace, and complete forgiveness found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The whole person includes spiritual needs that must be addressed for real healing to occur. We believe life holds wonders and experiences beyond what we can ever imagine. Why Horses? Horses are honest and have a basic set of priorities. They are quick to forgive and have no hidden agendas, no biases and no need to place blame. There is an aura of awe when we see them. It is humbling that these magnificent creatures want to be with us, seek to please us, and need us. As we interact with such a creature, this honest response acts as a mirror for us to see how our attitude, body language and tone of voice communicates far more than words alone. Each attempt to communicate a request is separate in the mind of the horse, and this allows us to try repeatedly until we learn to communicate in such a way that we succeed in a positive relationship. Inevitably, we take these lessons and apply them in our other relationships. This therapuetic atmosphere provides us with experiences that teach us lessons we can apply throughout our lives.

	The EquiJourneys "E.A.P.A.L." Approach: Equine Assisted Psychotherapy And Learning Equine assisted psychotherapy, learning and growth programs are increasingly available across the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. State-Licensed Practitioners, such as Clinical Social Workers, Psychologists, and Professional Counselors, are discovering that the impact of combining experience-based therapy approaches with horse-human interaction creates a powerful therapy and teaching platform. Insurance companies, as well as Medicaid, are acknowledging EAP as a solid therapeutic practice when conducted by state-licensed therapists that meet specific standards of clinical therapeutic practice (requirements usually include a minimum of a Master's Degree in a counseling field combined with two or more years of supervised specialized post-graduate school practice in a clinical setting). As with any valid therapeutic approach, the treatment goals and specific activities are chosen according to the unique issues of the client(s). Some examples include the life skills of communication, anger management, conflict resolution, problem-solving, relaitonship-builidng, and healthy coping skills when facing anxiety, grief, trust, post-trauma stress, abuse issues, and eating disorders. There has been a great deal of success in using Equine Assisted Psychotherapy with clients in recovery for alcohol anddrug addiction, as well as other addictions. Many people were first exposed to horses in the therapy process when it was used in the movie, "28 Days," starring Sandra Bullock as an alcohol and drug addict in recovery. Of course, there is a healing process and a self-awareness that occurs within the relationship between a person and a horse that is difficult to define using words. The person experiences growth in self-esteemand self-confidence, and receives the gift of being needed and developing a depth of trust few ever realize. Defining this relationship is difficult using words alone - it is something best understood through experience. EquiJourneys offers equine assisted psychotherapy programs in three forms: Individual, Family, and Group. The psychotherapy program uses an approved state-licensed therapist as the primary facilitatorin all three forms, and a treatment plan is set up with the client(s) to address the issues on which the client(s) chooses to work. Family Therapy is beneficial in order to address the social environment in which the client lives. Group therapy may be used with EquiJourneys clients who are dealing with simlar issues, and for clients who may benefit from a group setting but may not need individual therapy. Each of these forms of equine assisted psychotherapy are described in further detail below. The equine assisted learning program is aimed at prevention and growth - to build life skills and self-esteem, and expose adolescents and children to the healing relationships possible with horses. This program does not require the clincal therapy approach or specific treatment planning. Many horse professionals engage in this type of program as it does not require a therapist. EquiJourneys EAL program includes many options - from basic riding lessons and training to prevention programming aimed at growth goals with activities designed to teach specific skills for living - constructively.



	The Prevention Program The EquiJourneys Prevention Program uses Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning to introduce children and adolescents to the healing and teaching world of horses before they turn to self-destructive behavior. The goal in this facet of the program is to arm kids with the tools they will need in life - such as coping skills, communication skills, responsibility - all in a way that builds self-confidence and self-esteem. Activities included are spending time around a variety of horses of all ages, learning how to communicate with the horse both on the ground and in the saddle, riding lessons, trail riding and riding for pleasure, plus playday shows and higher-level shows, when appropriate. Other opportunities include leasing horses, volunteering to care for horses, and working at the barn under an approved trainers.	The Therapy Program The EquiJourneys Treatment and Therapy Program is geared toward children and adolescents who are currently in need of intervention to treat destructive behaviors, eating disorders, addictions, emotional problems, ADD/ADHD, and many other psychological , emotional, and behavioral disorders, and recovery from abuse and other traumas. This program includes the same activities offered in the Prevention Program, plus working with a State-Licensed Therapist for counseling and processing what the individual has experienced and learned, and how to apply those lessons in relationships and situations on a broad basis. The Treatment and Therapy Program will provide services on-site for group therapies - at hospitals, residential programs, and outpatient organizations.



	Group Therapy & Education Programs EquiJourneys offers two group components in its Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning programs: Education and Group Therapy. Currently, EquiJourneys is offering services in three locations in northwest Houston: two in the Cypress area and one in the Tomball-Woodlands area. The Group Therapy Program is offered to clients working on specific issues in which a group setting would be a beneficial therapeutic approach. Teamwork presents unique active interaction with other people and provides clients with an opportunity to actively work with others toward the achievement of a specified goal. Group therapy, like individual therapy, requires that treatment goals be unique and address the specific issues on which the client group needs to work. In addition to clients already involved in individual psychotherapy with EquiJourneys, referrals are welcomed to compliment work ongoing with other therapists and programs, allowing therapists to incorporate equine assisted psychotherapy into their practice without the cost of running their own program. EquiJourneys will work on-site with in-patient hospitals, residential homes, treatment centers, shelters for battered women, and other programs - county, state, federal and private programs. EquiJourneys will either bring the horse(s) to the group, or the group may schedule a visit to one of the ranches out of which EquiJourneys operates. The Education Program focuses on promotion of equine assisted psychotherapy, learning, and grwoth - targeting therapists and other professionals in the counseling field, horse professionals, programs, and other organizations or groups, as well as families. This is an introduction to the positive skill-building and the healing nature of the horse-human relationship and experience, with the intent of showing how EAP may be used to enhance their areas of expertise. As with the group therapy program, EquiJourneys will offer demonstrations on-site or at one of the EquiJourneys-partner ranches.



	Additional Equine Assisted Learning Services Training the Horse & the Owner In additon to the therapy and personal growth programs listed above, the Equine Assisted Learning branch of EquiJourneys includes horse-owner training, and horsemanship instruction. "Horse & Owner Training" includes training both horse and owner with specific goals set up in a private contract and the course is determined according to current abilities of both the horse and the owner, and the level of training desired. The owner (and family, if applicable) is strongly encouraged to be fully involved in the training process - I believe that the best approach for both horse and owner is to educate the owner in how to train so that he/she will be able to tackle future training challenges with a good set of horsemanship tools. Horsemanship Training Riding Instruction is actually something I prefer to call "Horsemanship Training," as I believe that I have an ethical obligation to teach a student how to handle a horse on the ground and in the saddle. The relationship of trust and respect between the student and the horse begins immediately upon the first gentle stroke of the nose. As a wise person once said, "You lead the horse you ride." In other words, if you do not have a respectful relationship of trust on the ground, you are not likely to attain it in the saddle. Its important to learn how to handle a horse in a variety of situations, and to know when there is a dangerous situation approaching in time to move oneself and horse from its path, and to know when to completely remove oneself, let the move away, and pick up the leadline in a safe location or get help from someone else in sorting out any problem. Human safety must come first at all times. Even the simple task of retrieving a horse safely from pasture requires the ability to read the body language of the target horse and the rest of the horse around him. Therefore, I include groundwork and riding focusing on (1) understanding communictation between the person and the horse, and (2) balanced riding skills that will best serve whatever discipline of riding the student pursues currently and in the future.

Lessons, Safety, and the FUN Factor

I work with begiinning through advanced riders in English and Western riding, including the following: Hunter Pleasure (not over fences) and Saddleseat; Western Pleasure, working Western (depending on availability of cattle), Barrel and Pole Racing, and other speed riding around obstacles; and trail-endurance riding and conditioning. The location of the stables from which I do most of my work is along Cyrpess Creek and the endless trails that wind around it. I also condtion and train horses in halter, as well as ongoing conditioning for horses, such as stallions standing at stud, who must look their best everyday. Once a student and/or horse has moved beyond what I can best teach him/her, I have referral sources to the next level in trainers. I also take students to local and regional horse shows if the student seeks to compete in the showring. We have a solid group of practiced endurance and competitive trail riders in the Cypress area who are always happy to add another trail rider to the family. Whatever training and/or riding discipline the client chooses, I focus on balanced and centered riding in a physcially, emotional, and mentally constructive manner - for both the horse and the rider. My style - by instinct and choice - is to allow each person to be an individual - choosing and changing goals over time. Perhaps most importantly, I teach in a nature of encouragement and I tryto be constructive in any criticism - offering options and/or alternate approaches to the student. This is what I call the "Fun Factor," and I believe it is essential for learning to continue. Knowing we will make mistakes provides the freedom from shame and allows us to move ahead with the mindset of the learning process. There are many horse-people who have difficulty dealing with people, fostering a negative or void atmosphere with poor communication, and there are others who, still worse, will focus on the negative and actually create a situation where the student will have poor self-esteem as a result.

I have three foundation rules underlying riding lessons and training: (1) Human safety must always come first in every activity we do - wearing a helmet is not optional if a student is a minor, and is strongly encouraged for adults. All horses used in the equine assisted psychotherapy and learning programs are put through training specifically tailored toward the safety of the human handlers above anything else. For example, every horse is trained to never turn away from a person in any situation. In the presence of a human, my horses are to face the person unless the human signals the horse to do otherwise. (2) Horse safety and well-being is second only to the safety of a person. Safe handling, fencing, equipment, tack, water-intake, vaccination, hoofcare, and nutrition are monitored carefully. We also watch closely for any changes in mobility or mood. We will not overload or allow a horse with health problems be a primary therapy horse. This is a full-time job for the horse, requiring a great deal of energy to communicate with a person who is also learning how to communicate. We use Sports Medicine Boots and carefully tend to horses after each session with abundant love and relaxation. For this reason, EquiJourneys does not accept "retired" horses as therapy candidates. The facilitation they must perform is definitely a career. (3) The third rule applies to the humans and the horses... all training, riding and therapeutic work ends on a positive note - one of reflection on the growth that has occurred. The client and therapist are responsible for ending the interaction wtih the horse on a positive note in order to make sure the horse will have a good attitude in the next session.


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