Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is an emerging field in which horses are used as tools for emotional growth and learning in humans. It is a form of psychotherapy involving a team consisting of Dr. Joseph Lancia (Psychiatrist) and Christine Cane (Equine Specialist). The focus of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is not riding or horsemanship. All activities take place on the ground. No horse experience is necessary. It is experiential in nature where participants learn about themselves and others by engaging in activities with horses and then processing the feelings, behaviors, and response patterns that emerge.

 

 

Click on the headings below for more information
about each psychotherapy group

 

 

A group for women undergoing change

 

Windhorse Woman is an eight week Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Group to support women going through transitions in their lives. These changes can be at an emotional, physical, relational or spiritual level. Windhorse Farm believes healing that occurs at an individual level is brought back to other areas of a person’s life including family and community. This group encourages self awareness and empowerment around decision making in one’s life. Some of the topics addressed include creativity and problem solving, communication, positive body image, relationships, self care and empowerment. This group is offered several times a year.

 

Helping adolescents negotiate challenges in life

 

Windhorse teen is an eight week Equine Assisted Psychotherapy group for assisting adolescents with the challenges they face. It is designed to foster healthy and effective communication skills. Clients are assisted in recognizing unhealthy patterns and provided with an environment to facilitate change and growth. Some of the topics addressed include dealing with peer pressure, making empowered choices, managing obstacles in life, identifying and respecting boundaries, relationships and family roles and leadership. This group is offered several times a year.

 

Helping men bring deeper consciousness
to their life

 

Windhorse Man is an eight week Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Group to support men facing challenges in their lives. These changes can be at an emotional, physical, relational or spiritual level. Windhorse Farm believes healing that occurs at an individual level is brought back to other areas of a person’s life including family and community. This group encourages the exploration of a deeper consciousness between mind and heart. It assists with connection to feelings while addressing issues like trust, leadership, communication, cooperation versus competition, respect and responsibility. This group is offered several times a year.

Helping address recovery and reclaiming a fuller life

 

This is an eight week group to address challenges associated with maintaining abstinence while also looking at reclaiming aspects of the individual’s life that substance use has impacted. It addresses psychological, spiritual, relational and emotional aspects of this process. Topics covered include addressing temptations and distractions, healthy boundaries and limit setting, identification and healthy expression of emotions, regulation of impulses, stress management without substance use and problem solving skills.

 

A Group helping Veterans deal with the transition from Combat Soldier to Civilian

 

Psychologically injured veterans are faced with a multitude of challenges some of which can include PTSD, depression, addictions, grief, relationship and spiritual issues. This group assists in the process of reconnecting with aspects of themselves and their lives. Some of the issues addressed include grief, communication, leadership, dealing with fears, regulation of impulses, managing intense emotion, rebuilding a sense of trust and empowerment.

 

Taming The Wild Horse Manual